Soooooo......

[Moonliner]

You could run for office with that kind of money.

Wouldn't it be easier to just buy the person already in the office?

[Alex]

That's called, "You have several months to redeem your ticket so move to Nevada or Texas* first"

(no state income tax, they nail you on property tax instead)

I don't believe that would work as the state in which the money was earned (where the ticket was bought) gets to tax it first. So unless you have the foresight to go buy your tickets in the state with the friendliest tax laws, and then move there before claiming the money (and I'm not sure even that would get you off the hook in your original state of residence) you'd still end up paying Washington, D.C. taxes if that is where the ticket was bought.

[innerSpaceman]

Who cares? The gov't takes half. California takes another half when I demand it all at once, instead of their worthless IOU's for 20 years. That's still a cool 125 million dollars. I still be happy when I win Friday night. For all you others playing, thanks for contributing to my jackpot. :D Let me know who you are, and I'll see that you get double your contribution returned!!! Yes, that's how generous a winner I will be!

[SzczerbiakManiac]

trippy (http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m0opkyBX2O1r50b7io1_500.gif)http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m0opkyBX2O1r50b7io1_500.gif

[Snowflake]

Who cares? The gov't takes half. California takes another half when I demand it all at once, instead of their worthless IOU's for 20 years. That's still a cool 125 million dollars. I still be happy when I win Friday night. For all you others playing, thanks for contributing to my jackpot. :D Let me know who you are, and I'll see that you get double your contribution returned!!! Yes, that's how generous a winner I will be!

In line behind me. ;)

[alphabassettgrrl]

trippy (http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m0opkyBX2O1r50b7io1_500.gif)http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m0opkyBX2O1r50b7io1_500.gif

Fascinating!

[JWBear]

trippy (http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m0opkyBX2O1r50b7io1_500.gif)http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m0opkyBX2O1r50b7io1_500.gif

I have to hand it to you for finding that.

[Morrigoon]

Yeah, it's really gripping.

[lashbear]

I give it a Thumbs up. I'm not Opposable to art.

[SzczerbiakManiac]

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/557266_10150667440556089_527071088_9460945_1557811 089_n.jpg

[Moonliner]

Mega Millions jackpot is up to half a billion dollars (http://www.calottery.com/play/draw-games/mega-millions)



I heard a man-on-the-street interviews about this today. It went something like this:

Q: If you win what will you do with the money?
A: Pay off my bills!

With over $300,000,000 take home? Who are you Bernie Madoff?

[Ghoulish Delight]

So what, you wouldn't pay off your bills?



Actually, the real irony in that statement is that having that amount of wealth will (if you're smart) more than likely net you MORE bills. While it may be tempting to go out and drop a load of cash for a new house or new car, in reality it makes a lot more sense to get a loan at the ridiculously low rates available to people of extreme wealth, then take the money you would have paid for the house and invest somewhere that beats the interest rate on the loan. And voila, your house is paying for itself and then some. With that model, you'll be piling up loans in no time.

[Not Afraid]

Please keep little John Robie in your thoughts tomorrow. He's going to have exploratory surgery to see if there's an obstruction causing him to not eat. If there is not obstruction (which they didn't see anything during the barium test today) he will be biopsied for FIP and Lymphoma. FIP is still a strong possibility and it is a fatal disease - and fast. He's not even 2 and still a baby. I can't imagine losing him.

[blueerica]

Oh no!!! *hugs*

[Alex]

While it may be tempting to go out and drop a load of cash for a new house or new car, in reality it makes a lot more sense to get a loan at the ridiculously low rates available to people of extreme wealth, then take the money you would have paid for the house and invest somewhere that beats the interest rate on the loan.

I 80% suspect that if I won $500 million in the lottery I'd probably end up just dumping it in a checking account never getting around to doing anything with the money.

Then the bank would fold and I'd get to keep $250,000 of it.

[alphabassettgrrl]

I 80% suspect that if I won $500 million in the lottery I'd probably end up just dumping it in a checking account never getting around to doing anything with the money.

Then the bank would fold and I'd get to keep $250,000 of it.

That's funny. I have sometimes thought the same thing.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Poor John Robie :( Hope for the best.

[Morrigoon]

If they handed me that kind of money, I could afford to sit around and look at trippy images on the internet all day... oh wait. :)

[wendybeth]

Please keep little John Robie in your thoughts tomorrow. He's going to have exploratory surgery to see if there's an obstruction causing him to not eat. If there is not obstruction (which they didn't see anything during the barium test today) he will be biopsied for FIP and Lymphoma. FIP is still a strong possibility and it is a fatal disease - and fast. He's not even 2 and still a baby. I can't imagine losing him.

This post made my heart sink.:( After going through what we did with Boris, Haggis and then Samwise (who is doing well, but even now is not the same as he was before he got sick), any time I hear of a sick kitteh or puppeh my heart just hurts for them and their family. I hope John Robie will be okay- he's still a baby, and deserves to live a long, happy life with his family.

[cirquelover]

I will keep your little one in my thoughts. I hope they can figure out what's wrong.

[Betty]

Please keep little John Robie in your thoughts tomorrow. He's going to have exploratory surgery to see if there's an obstruction causing him to not eat. If there is not obstruction (which they didn't see anything during the barium test today) he will be biopsied for FIP and Lymphoma. FIP is still a strong possibility and it is a fatal disease - and fast. He's not even 2 and still a baby. I can't imagine losing him.

Oh no! Poor kitty kitty meow. I will keep him in my thoughts.

[Moonliner]

Mega Millions jackpot is up to half a billion dollars (http://www.calottery.com/play/draw-games/mega-millions)

Yes I know the odds of winning are less then being struck by lightning, this is merely a comment of the size of the jackpot.

Right state, wrong city. Someone purchased a winning ticket in Baltimore Maryland. I was thissss closessss.. But I did hit the powerball! Which means I recouped 40% of expenditure. Not bad for the Lottery.

[Morrigoon]

As part of entering a sweepstakes, I had to write a poem inspired by chocolate. I went with a somewhat biting haiku:

Chocolate candy
Cocoa butter is removed
Not real chocolate

[JWBear]

It took me only 10 minutes to get to work this morning when it usually takes half an hour! There where very few cars on the road. WTF?!

[€uroMeinke]

Rapture

[cirquelover]

Good Friday would be my guess but I like the idea above me better!

[SzczerbiakManiac]

Praying Mantis Rides a Bicycle
(http://www.buzzfeed.com/donnad/this-praying-mantis-is-riding-a-bicycle)
http://s3-ec.buzzfed.com/static/enhanced/web05/2012/4/6/14/enhanced-buzz-wide-20912-1333736191-8.jpg

[alphabassettgrrl]

Dang!

[CoasterMatt]

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/1333/k4m0h.gif

[SzczerbiakManiac]

I've found the rebel bass (http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/562066_10150672568230748_137653200747_9449851_1133 685089_n.jpg)!http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/562066_10150672568230748_137653200747_9449851_1133 685089_n.jpgPossibly a more appropriate post for the Horrible bad tasteless jokes thread...

[3894]

So, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy kicked off its tour in my neck of the woods last Thursday. They are in very fine form!

[Prudence]

I finally got to see them at the Food & Wine Festival in November. Great (mini) show!

[Betty]

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EegRib32dbc/Siq35bsLr3I/AAAAAAAABE8/6SPu3nPFG34/s400/Calvin_Hobbes_math_atheist.jpg

[cirquelover]

That is my son, truly.

[Betty]

Sooo.... my talented niece, who has been attending Idyllwild arts academy as a high school senior, is coming to the end of her year there.

She had a show that displayed some of her work. Here's a link to her show: http://www.sidneymorganblog.com/?p=2682

While I've seen some of her photos that I liked better, I love the concept of the photos - What are you most afraid of?

(I'm not as fond of the black and white look she does compared to some of her other color that doesn't seem to flat - but that's the style she's into.)

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Awesome photography!

[JWBear]

In honor of today's weather... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzFnYcIqj6I)

[Snowflake]

Sooo.... my talented niece, who has been attending Idyllwild arts academy as a high school senior, is coming to the end of her year there.

She had a show that displayed some of her work. Here's a link to her show: http://www.sidneymorganblog.com/?p=2682

While I've seen some of her photos that I liked better, I love the concept of the photos - What are you most afraid of?

(I'm not as fond of the black and white look she does compared to some of her other color that doesn't seem to flat - but that's the style she's into.)


There are some wonderful portraits there. :snap: Thanks for sharing the link, she's a really good photographer!

[alphabassettgrrl]

Interesting photographs. I agree, interesting idea, and taking portraits is definitely a skill.

[CoasterMatt]

Excellent photographs.

[SzczerbiakManiac]

Two tweets which I found amusing:

from @NickadooLA (https://twitter.com/#!/NickadooLA/statuses/189519696486334464)
"I've seen my uncle's penis." - the subtext of every American Apparel advertisement

from @CandyWarhole (https://twitter.com/#!/CandyWarhole/statuses/135590977938268160)
HD porn is so clear that you can actually see how disappointed their parents are.

[JWBear]

Our electric just flickered here. Just enough to reboot my computer, but not reset the clocks.

[3894]

Do we have a gardening thread? So, here are the first flowers in our new garden. We put it up after the "windstorm of the century" downed many trees.

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/s320x320/564319_408968709122525_100000281991579_1561292_616 506718_n.jpg

[Betty]

Do we have a gardening thread? So, here are the first flowers in our new garden. We put it up after the "windstorm of the century" downed many trees.

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/s320x320/564319_408968709122525_100000281991579_1561292_616 506718_n.jpg

I like!:snap:

[Not Afraid]

Pretty tulips!

We should have a gardening thread. We're going to landscape our front yard in the next few months. We've only lived here 12 years. :rolleyes:

[Morrigoon]

Love the bricking too!

[alphabassettgrrl]

Got a call from my brother's ex wife this morning. Just to chat.

Strange. I haven't talked to her in *years*. They've been divorced for a couple years now.

In other news, I've been at the theater almost without break for the last week. "Cinderella" the ballet, symphony, and last night a flamenco group. It's been exhausting and exciting and the flamenco group had a tech person / lighting designer who was hot. She was smart and competent, and looked great. Unfortunately, it wasn't me in the light booth with her but that's ok. Maybe they'll come back, they were happy with us and with the audience.

[Gn2Dlnd]

For CP -

http://27.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lb0d9pTxmn1qcib48o1_400.gif

[BarTopDancer]

OMG that's awesome!


------------
Camelbak has phenomenal customer service. The nozzle thing on the Better Bottle lid broke on two different bottles. I hate buying more bottles when I only have one lid so I called to find out where to just buy the lid. They said they'd just send me a new one.

WOO

[Kevy Baby]

Our electric just flickered here. Just enough to reboot my computer, but not reset the clocks.We've had a couple of those in the past few days, in particular, the home theatre (the TiVo takes FOREVER to reboot). I may look into a UPS.

[Moonliner]

My office was buzzed by a space shuttle this morning. How cool is that?

[Ghoulish Delight]

Watched a few minutes of that this morning. Awesome to see, but kinda bummed me out all over again.

[cirquelover]

My office was buzzed by a space shuttle this morning. How cool is that?

Very cool!

[Moonliner]

Here is the best photo I was able to snap of the shuttle fly-by today using my cell phone.....

Spoiled for size.
http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/stevesphotobook/shuttle.jpg

[Alex]

Dammnit, I knew that if we let Ralph Reed near our science and engineering he'd turn everything into church.

[Snowflake]

Moonie, that is fabulous! Pru had a sighting and my old boss and a co-worker got shots of it over the White House.

[alphabassettgrrl]

Moonie, that's awesome! So happy for everybody that got to see her one more time.

[CoasterMatt]

I can't wait to see Endeavour going through the streets of L.A.- that's way cooler than seeing her on an airplane.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Highly detailed view of Discovery's flight deck. (http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/04/120416-nasa-space-shuttle-discovery-smithsonian-360-tour-panorama-science/)

[Cadaverous Pallor]

For CP -

http://27.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lb0d9pTxmn1qcib48o1_400.gifLove it! :D

[innerSpaceman]

For the next Swank Camp (http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/pierre-stephane-dumas-bubbletree).



and, yes, I'm sorry there likely will be no more swank camps :(

[Alex]

Why? I know it has only been two months since the last one but...oh...never mind.

[Betty]

Hot. I am.

[Alex]

God I hate summer. Guess the season of being able to take lunchtime walks is over.

[lashbear]

For the next Swank Camp (http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/pierre-stephane-dumas-bubbletree).


How long does one of those take to broil a person in summer?

[3894]

How long does one of those take to broil a person in summer?

Lashbear, I suggest you and I repair to the nearest air-conditioned resort for a Patrick Swayze film spree and one of those chocolate fountain thingies.

[SzczerbiakManiac]

Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie n’ Oreo Fudge Brownie Bar (http://www.kevinandamanda.com/whatsnew/new-recipes/ultimate-chocolate-chip-cookie-n-oreo-fudge-brownie-bar.html) (includes recipe)
http://www.kevinandamanda.com/whatsnew/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Ultimate-Chocolate-Chip-Cookie-n-Oreo-Fudge-Brownie-Bar-12.jpg

[CoasterMatt]

Rose and I rode Transformers again today. 7 full rides plus 2 glitch rides (although one of the glitch rides gave us a BEAUTIFUL view of some of the technology behind the ride) for Rose (she rode one more time than me while I chatted with a bigwig from the park).

There were a LOT of littler kids riding today, and LOVING it - the height requirement after all is 40". It'll be interesting to see what the dressed up slot car track in Anaheim has to offer.

[lashbear]

Lashbear, I suggest you and I repair to the nearest air-conditioned resort for a Patrick Swayze film spree and one of those chocolate fountain thingies.
You're on !!

Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie n’ Oreo Fudge Brownie Bar (http://www.kevinandamanda.com/whatsnew/new-recipes/ultimate-chocolate-chip-cookie-n-oreo-fudge-brownie-bar.html) (includes recipe)
http://www.kevinandamanda.com/whatsnew/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Ultimate-Chocolate-Chip-Cookie-n-Oreo-Fudge-Brownie-Bar-12.jpg

Why do you tempt me so !?

[Alex]

Fortunately chocolate just isn't that big of a draw for me. Now if something similar were made with bananas, peanut butter and crunch from Nutter Butter cookies....

[SzczerbiakManiac]

awesome Craig's List ad for a '95 Pontiac Grand Am (http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/cto/2977737272.html)

[Moonliner]

awesome Craig's List ad for a '95 Pontiac Grand Am (http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/cto/2977737272.html)

Already removed from Craig's list.

[SzczerbiakManiac]

this was the body of the ad (http://i.imgur.com/xoeRp.jpg)

[JWBear]

That is awsomness defined! :snap: :snap: :snap:

[innerSpaceman]

It'll be interesting to see what the dressed up slot car track in Anaheim has to offer.
I think what they'll have to offer is Cars Land.

That's right, the attraction not being near as good as Transformers is not the deal-breaker. Disney has fallen behind in attraction technology and design for long, long years now. But they are still masters of the themed-environment, and that's what's going to make any attraction in Cars Land a hit - - from the dressed-up slot car track to the total operational failure tire floating ride.

Meanwhile, though I'm eager to ride the ride of a movie series you'd have to drag my dead carcass to see ... I'm 90% sure I won't experience Transformers until Horror Nights in October. And that's because I find Universal a completely dull place to be. It's even more thematically vapid than DCA, and that's saying a lot. So, really, once every 5 years or so has usually been plenty of Universal for me ... but since Horror Nights are so much fun, once-a-year is MORE than enough Universal.

So I'm really looking forward to Cars Land and Buena Vista Street and Ghiradelli (yum) in a park I really don't care much for. But I'll experience them all in late June or maybe July ... while I can easily wait till October for the best Southern California theme park attraction in 20 years. Neither the tire ride that will take six months of cumulative waiting in line to master enough skill for enjoyment, nor the slot car ride based on the Epcot attraction I've heard nothing but complaints about for the last 15 years will detract from my desire to experience new Disney themed environments ... and ice cream sundaes!

[Moonliner]

Disney has fallen behind in attraction technology and design for long, long years now. But they are still masters of the themed-environment, and that's what's going to make any attraction in Cars Land a hit

I'm curious, have you been to Universal's Potter themed section yet? Based on what I saw there, I'd say Disney needs to step up their game in the themed-environment department if they want to compete with Universal.

[Gn2Dlnd]

I went on Transformers on Saturday. It was sort of like being in a chase sequence from one of the Bourne movies, lots of crap flying around with very little sense of who's doing what to whom. Universal crams you full of background on the characters in the queue, but, as I never watched the cartoon, and maybe saw ONE of the movies, I was going in as ignorant as a guest could be.

So, this All-Spark thingie is apparently very important. Check. Spelling errors in the subtitles of the pre-show videos? Must be some sort of code. 3D glasses! Ok! Get in the claustrophobic vehicle! (I was up against one of the side walls) Shake-a, shake-a, shake-a! Blur, blur, blur! Gratuitous Universal Bukkake moment! Oh! The vehicle I'm IN is a Transformer? Mmmkay. Exit into the incredibly unattractive Universal lower lot. Take the hideous five mile long escalator ride back up the hill. Dream of Buena Vista Street and Cars Land. Done for the summer!

Backstory question: Why is the NEST insignia sometimes a Transformers head and sometimes a skull?

Also, I don't think it's insignificant that I spent the earlier half of the day watching Tranvestites play charity softball. Spooooky.

[BarTopDancer]

DUDE! SPOILER ALERT for the ride :(

[Gn2Dlnd]

Huh? Isn't that basically the same info you tweeted me? Confused.

Mods, spoilerize my previous post, please.

[CoasterMatt]

You are the first person out of hundreds that I've heard mention anything about blurriness on Transformers... and MOST people that I've heard who like the ride, like it because they DON'T know the movies at all.

I've never seen the movies, and there's virtually nothing (other than the names of 4 characters) from the old cartoons in there.

As for the vehicle you're in being a Transformer - that's only repeated about 9000 times BEFORE you even get to the load area.

[Gn2Dlnd]

The blurriness hasn't anything to do with the film quality. I'm talking about the visual blur of too much digital shakey-cam. And, yes, a LOT of information gets repeated about 9000 times before you get on the ride. These aren't really complaints, just my experience. I won't feel compelled to spend much of my summer hiking down to the lower lot to ride Transformers, but I suspect I WILL be compelled to spend as much time off as I can hanging out in Radiator Springs. I'm just not getting the hyperbole that's being attached to this ride, even Al gushed! It's no dressed up slot car track, for sure. It's more like a, oh, I don't know, dressed up Spiderman ride.

I certainly want to see Universal do well, and create attractions and environments I want to experience. I buy passes to USH and Disneyland, so, you know, I want to get my money's worth. I don't get the "Universal's gonna kick Disney's ass with this one!" sort of thinking, and why does Disney need to create a "Potter killer?" They're both getting my money!

[madmonkeygirl]

I've NEVER seen one Transformers movie nor the cartoons and yet this ride BLOWS anything Disney has done. Yes I am serious. As a female I went into the ride thinking I would seriously hate yes HATE anything like robots fighting eachother etc. yet I emerged from this ride in complete awe. I can't travel to Orlando to ride Spiderman so this is as close in my own backyard that I can get.

There is NOTHING blurry on the ride UNLESS you take off your 3D glasses and look at the screen (yes I did this when on my first ride it broke down). The cars are a bit claustrophobic but so is a lot of ride vehicles. I really feel Universal is going to give Disney a run for their money this summer. KIDS and I mean little kids maybe 5 years old if they are 40 inches were riding this ride and LOVING it.

Sorry but my expectations are very LOW for Radiator Springs only because it is like Test Track and it is definitely another clone ride. I'm not sure I will be able to go on opening day for Cars Land and I really don't care if I don't (it depends if I'm transfers to another store and my days I work) once Harry Potter is built Universal will definitely be a theme park contender.

[CoasterMatt]

I can tell you that plenty of Imagineers have ridden Transformers and they consider it a superior ride to even Forbidden Journey. Disney has built a pretty area with Radiator Springs, but in an industry where they used to be trailblazers, they've been stagnant for years now. UC is full of ex-Imagineers who got fed up with that.They're now designing Harry Potter West (along with an expansion to the Orlando Original)
The themed entertainment realm is full of companies started by ex Disney employees, and if they keep this up, Imagineering is gonna end up in the dust.

[BarTopDancer]

Huh? Isn't that basically the same info you tweeted me? Confused.

Mods, spoilerize my previous post, please.

I tweeted you the backstory. Not ride details. Even if the ride is a movie about shiny robots blowing stuff up in the name of the allspark it's a different move than the movies that were already released. And the ride vehicle :( now I just have to wait until I forget before I go.

[lashbear]

I don't see why one park has to be better than the other. I would kill for EITHER nearby. Be happy, people.

[Gn2Dlnd]

I tweeted you the backstory. Not ride details. Even if the ride is a movie about shiny robots blowing stuff up in the name of the allspark it's a different move than the movies that were already released. And the ride vehicle :( now I just have to wait until I forget before I go. I really am sorry for posting anything that spoilered the ride for you, really. I would hate it if someone spoilered something I was looking forward to experiencing.

[madmonkeygirl]

I'm happy that there are new things in both parks but when someone just out right gives a horrible review on an attraction that everyone else has been raving about including little kids. I just feel like unless it's Disney Universal seems to get a bad rap. The park itself is beautiful more clean than Disneyland even when busy.

I can see Transformers having extra long lines this summer and for Halloween Horror Nights this fall, I would recommend riding it before Horror Nights u less you have a Gate A front of line pass. Because I can see people not being ale to do everything especially the Halloween stuff.

Ok back on topic Rob I agree with you there. But when I OVERHEARD ex imaginers talk about this ride it's like wow.

[Alex]

If it is like Spider Man then I predict I'd find it boring (not that it isn't technologically amazing, it is just not the kind of thing that appeals to me).

But I suspect I'll never find out for sure since Universal Studios never climbs very high on our list of places to go.

Congrats if they've hit a home run for most people and don't take it personally that it isn't 100% adored.

[Not Afraid]

I predict I will never ride Transformers.

[CoasterMatt]

I'm probably one of about 25 people who thought Spiderman was cool as ride system, but hate Spiderman the character.

[SzczerbiakManiac]

awesome Craig's List ad for a '95 Pontiac Grand Am (http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/cto/2977737272.html)Here's an interview with the creators of that ad (http://jalopnik.com/5905240/meet-the-two-guys-behind-the-greatest-craigslist-car-ad-in-history).

[lashbear]

Just as a last note from me, I'm sad I didn't get to ride the Transformers ride at Universal Singapore. If only they'd accepted American Express Travellers Cheques for admission entry (which they didn't... WTF?)

[CoasterMatt]

Don't worry Lash, Singapore's version uses older non-HD projection, and from contractors I know, you wouldn't really want to spend a lot of time on the rides there.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

By the way, I'm just curious... why is Radiator Springs Racers considered a copycat ride? I'm far more interested in the dark ride sort of stuff we'll get to see inside, than I am in the ride functionality. Maybe that's just me.

[Moonliner]

By the way, I'm just curious... why is Radiator Springs Racers considered a copycat ride? I'm far more interested in the dark ride sort of stuff we'll get to see inside, than I am in the ride functionality. Maybe that's just me.

Because of it's similarity to Epcot's Test Track.

[CoasterMatt]

I don't think RSR is a copycat ride, but it's not gonna be something that pushes the state of the art in themed attractions.

I'm going in with low expectations, because it's been 17 years since Disney's done anything stateside that made me really feel "wow, this is gonna change things", and that was with Indiana Jones and the EMV ride system- I couldn't wait to see what other adventures they'd use that for - unfortunately, they used it for "Dinosaur" (which was at least a little bit better when it opened as "Countdown to Extinction").

[Kevy Baby]

Because of it's similarity to Epcot's Test Track.From what I've read, I believe it is the same ride chassis.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

Yeah, I know it has similar functionality to Test Track. But I really wouldn't call it a copycat.

Here's where some things differ from person to person. I couldn't give a blind rat's sweet bippy about state-of-the-art. I care about detail, theme and storytelling. I'd be a happy woman if some talented imagineer could come up with another Pirates or Mansion ride - even if it was the exact same chassis - if it had compelling storytelling.

I don't have crazy high expectations, and I don't have a company bias (having seen Potter in Orlando, I know it's probably better than anything Disney is doing.)

But I'm to understand that this ride has dark ride elements. And I'm a dark ride girl. This ride has characters and story -- it's not just about, you know, taking a test car for a spin. THAT is what makes a ride for me - when there's a story (however vague or broken, in the case of Mansion/Pirates) that compels me.

And, you know what? Cars gets badmouthed, but I won't lie. The first one really did made me cry, and the second one really did make me laugh.

[Side note. WHAT AM I DOING TALKING ABOUT THEME PARKS? I DON'T DO THAT ANYMORE.]

[JWBear]

The neighbor's little boy is having an epic tantrum. It sounds like he's pounding on the walls.

[CoasterMatt]

Is he watching the Kings game?

[BarTopDancer]

Is he watching the Kings game?

Let's go Blues! ;)

[CoasterMatt]

I'd be happy if the Blues continued to play the rest of the series the way they played today.

[Prudence]

This job, while a great experience over all, has really opened my eyes to the variations in quality within the legal profession.

[SzczerbiakManiac]

Who wants a s'more (http://www.gaycomicgeek.com/index.php/site/index_single/anyone_else_what_a_smore/)?
That page is work safe, but the rest of the site most definitely is NOT!
http://www.gaycomicgeek.com/flash/video/Stay_Puft.jpg

[lindyhop]

There's a band called the Ellis Island Boys that has been playing at the Paradise Garden Stage in DCA, usually Friday through Sunday afternoons (they stop at 7:00). I finally got to see them a couple of weeks ago after hearing great things and they're very good. They play what I would call old-timey jazz, fast music that would be great to dance to if there was a dance floor. I was happy to see Jim Zeigler from various local swing bands playing trumpet for them. And apparently the bass player from the Brian Setzer Orchestra (don't remember his name, just his hair) was playing with them all day last Saturday. Check them out sometime.

[BarTopDancer]

Oo YAY SM! I was wondering where that image came from!

[Betty]

Soooo... I learned, first hand, just how obnoxious one of my kids friends is. Unfortunately, it's the person my daughter sang with last night at the Farmer's Market. We would both rather she sings by herself or with someone else next time around - which was the plan all along. However, that wasn't really relayed to this friend beforehand so it's going to be a little sticky if Amy goes and sings again next week.

[Moonliner]

Soooo... I learned, first hand, just how obnoxious one of my kids friends is. Unfortunately, it's the person my daughter sang with last night at the Farmer's Market. We would both rather she sings by herself or with someone else next time around - which was the plan all along. However, that wasn't really relayed to this friend beforehand so it's going to be a little sticky if Amy goes and sings again next week.

Sounds like good inspiration for a new song.

[Betty]

Sounds like good inspiration for a new song.

I don't want to hurt her feelings - but I'm not going to hear her comments about me and my kids including her exasperated "we're old enough to take care of ourselves" when I told them I was leaving and would be back in an hour. Or her lack of attention performing some songs. (even if you aren't singing, if you're "on stage" you should be sitting nicely, not on your ipad or phone texting or talking to someone. Or her pouring a full cup of soda into large empty cup in the back seat of my car while driving while telling Amy what a great car it would be to take on a road trip. (NO! not in my car!) She's exceptionally friendly and talkative.

I realize she's not malicious or mean, but I wonder if she's not picking up on some social cues? I get the feeling that some of the kids in school may feel similarly (in that she's obnoxious and it takes some patience to hang out with her).

However, singing together once does not make a ongoing duo.

I'm hoping they get the entire Glee Club together next week and go sing and that would alleviate the odd transition (since it seems as though she's expecting them to sing together all the time now from the car ride comments home.)

[alphabassettgrrl]

Betty, if it makes you feel any better, I was a little bit of that "missing social cues" type of child, but I function reasonably well as an adult. There's hope for her. :)

And I'm kind of ready for this week to be done. Of course, I'm really ready to be on our cruise..... but that has to wait its proper time. Unfortunately. Cuz I'd really like to get on it NOW.

[FEJ]

Hi

[lashbear]

FEJ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[JWBear]

FEJ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For some reason, I picture you saying that like Ralphie when the lug nuts went flying...

[Morrigoon]

*falls off chair* OMG, it's Fej!

[wendybeth]

Hi


Hey.:cool:

[Ghoulish Delight]

Oh, hey FEJ. Soooooo......what are you doing right now?

[Betty]

How do we know it's really FEJ and not an impostor?

[Kevy Baby]

How do we know it's really FEJ and not an impostor?The smell

[Betty]

The smell

Which answers my second question.

[Alex]

So today I ran 13.1 miles for no good reason and then jumped in a silty river.

[Kevy Baby]

No bicycling?

[Betty]

House.

sniffle.

[BarTopDancer]

House.

sniffle.

I'm going with a misguide. Though knowing that show it will go out dark.

[Kevy Baby]

Please: if you are going to discuss House, please spoiler. We are on the TiVo Time Shift.

Nothing has been said so far; I'm just requesting beforehand!

[BarTopDancer]

No, no. I wouldn't spoil it. Unless you are 3 seasons delayed. Then that's your own fault.

[Alex]

It was all Bob Newhart's dream.

[Kevy Baby]

No, no. I wouldn't spoil it. Unless you are 3 seasons delayed. Then that's your own fault.Nope, just an episode or two.

[Betty]

Nope, just an episode or two.

Hurry up!

[Moonliner]

Nope, just an episode or two.

Wait, does this mean you've not seen where House adopts that child so she won't have to die fatherless? That was touching.

[SzczerbiakManiac]

I like this photo (spoilered for size)http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/image/1205/shuttlelibertyempire_nasa_836.jpg

[Ghoulish Delight]

That's a great shot!

So looking forward to the day they bring one out here.

[Kevy Baby]

I like this photo (spoilered for size)http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/image/1205/shuttlelibertyempire_nasa_836.jpg

Holy carp... someone caught the image of the plane with shuttle right before the terrorists crashed it into the Statue of Liberty!

[Kevy Baby]

Let's go Blues! ;)They went!






Away

[SzczerbiakManiac]

Paralyzed woman completes London Marathon in robot suit (http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-57431108-1/paralyzed-woman-completes-london-marathon-in-robot-suit/)

[Morrigoon]

I like this photo (spoilered for size)http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/image/1205/shuttlelibertyempire_nasa_836.jpg

Man that's a beautiful picture. It would have been even without the shuttle plane, but that just makes it even better!

[lashbear]

Lady Liberty is about to cop a shuttle suppository.

[Alex]

So, today I opened the mail to discover a thick envelope from the IRS.

That's not generally good.

Anyway, inside is a letter suggesting I might want to give them $33,000+ at my earliest convenience.

Fortunately, I am very confident that I do not actually owe them this money and that the issue will be rather straightforward to resolve. And I can't even get angry at the IRS for it since now that I see what has happened I can see why they would be under the impression that we have a large amount of unreported income. The issue is really with Lani's employer and how they handle stock options.

But let me just say that those first 30 minutes before I was confident in the situation were quite exciting.

[Alex]

Lady Liberty is about to cop a shuttle suppository.

Hey! We can do it but we won't tolerate any foreigners making light of our national symbols! Apologize right now before we have to invade Tasmania or whatever your **** is called down there!

[katiesue]

Been there done that with the wacky way they report stock options. Had a heart attack when I opened the envelope but it was indeed easily resolved.

[lindyhop]

So the Disney Dancers Facebook page is blowing up as we speak. One person already announced this morning that we're all awful and she's taking her toys and going home (since I only lurk I'm certainly not one of the awful ones). Now the administrator is threatening to close the group entirely because of all the negativity. No one has called anyone else a Nazi so far so I think she's being premature.

All this seems to be because Disney has temporarily changed the location for Saturday night dances and IT'S NOT THE SAME. The discussion has been active and heated but no one has been personally attacked so I don't quite understand the problem. It will be interesting when I go on May 19th (I only show up for Stompy Jones). There could be bloodshed. Or maybe just dancing. Who knows.

[BarTopDancer]

Nothing is supposed to change at Disneyland, ever.

[katiesue]

What would Walt say?

[Kevy Baby]

What would Walt say?Well, he would first want to know why it is so dark where he is.

[Moonliner]

Well, he would first want to know why it is so dark where he is.

And so very very cold.....

[Betty]

So the Disney Dancers Facebook page is blowing up as we speak. One person already announced this morning that we're all awful and she's taking her toys and going home (since I only lurk I'm certainly not one of the awful ones). Now the administrator is threatening to close the group entirely because of all the negativity. No one has called anyone else a Nazi so far so I think she's being premature.

All this seems to be because Disney has temporarily changed the location for Saturday night dances and IT'S NOT THE SAME. The discussion has been active and heated but no one has been personally attacked so I don't quite understand the problem. It will be interesting when I go on May 19th (I only show up for Stompy Jones). There could be bloodshed. Or maybe just dancing. Who knows.

This is where you guys have a dance off right? That's the only way to settle it.

[Snowflake]

This is where you guys have a dance off right? That's the only way to settle it.

VBettyM :snap:

[flippyshark]

A tiny little life moment that I observed just now at the gas station/convenience store. A woman and her son were leaving the store. He looked about six or seven years old. I heard him ask his mother,"Does Dad work at Home Depot?" His mom rolled her eyes and answered "Yeah," with a disinterested tone bordering on contempt. But the little boys eyes got wider, and a smile blossomed on his face as he said, Oh" in an impressed whisper.

So, an itty-bitty slice of dialogue, but the playwright in me loved this moment for its economy of storytelling. Mom was expecting and hoping for so much more from the off-stage Dad, but he has climbed in esteem to his son almost as much as if Mom had told him that he's actually Iron Man.

Now, this richly loaded moment, scripted out verbatim, looks like this:

SON: Does Dad work at Home Depot?

MOM: Yeah.

SON: Oh.

And yet, I've read that its wrong and bad for playwrights to instruct emotional cues in a script. It's up to the actors and director to find those beats on their own. But really, who would know to look for them in such a mundane verbal exchange. So, is it really wrong to script a scene thusly:

SON: Does Dad work at Home Depot?

Mom: (Dully, rolling eyes) Yeah.

SON: (Awed, beaming) Oh.

[Moonliner]

A tiny little life moment that I observed just now at the gas station/convenience store. A woman and her son were leaving the store. He looked about six or seven years old. I heard him ask his mother,"Does Dad work at Home Depot?" His mom rolled her eyes and answered "Yeah," with a disinterested tone bordering on contempt. But the little boys eyes got wider, and a smile blossomed on his face as he said, Oh" in an impressed whisper.

So, an itty-bitty slice of dialogue, but the playwright in me loved this moment for its economy of storytelling. Mom was expecting and hoping for so much more from the off-stage Dad, but he has climbed in esteem to his son almost as much as if Mom had told him that he's actually Iron Man.

Now, this richly loaded moment, scripted out verbatim, looks like this:

SON: Does Dad work at Home Depot?

MOM: Yeah.

SON: Oh.

And yet, I've read that its wrong and bad for playwrights to instruct emotional cues in a script. It's up to the actors and director to find those beats on their own. But really, who would know to look for them in such a mundane verbal exchange. So, is it really wrong to script a scene thusly:

SON: Does Dad work at Home Depot?

Mom: (Dully, rolling eyes) Yeah.

SON: (Awed, beaming) Oh.

From what you are saying, it sounds like this is not the opening of the drama but somewhere more in the middle. If from prior scenes we know of the mom's exasperation, and the boys infatuation then I'd say no. You would not need to spell it out. It should be as you say left for them to find. However I'm not sure how well that rule would apply to children actors. They may need more prompting.

[Alex]

Well, first question I'd ask is why is that scene in the play? By itself it is indeed completely meaningless, but how does it fit into the entirety, presumably one of those two readings wouldn't really make sense.

(Note: Absolutely no scriptwriting experience so questions may be lame.)

[flippyshark]

I'm not saying I would actually put this specific conversation into a play. But I do admire the economy with which this real life moment told more story than so much expository stage dialogue does. I'd be a better playwright if I could achieve similar economy, but I suspect I would need to indicate tone and subtext every now and then. I'd rather do that than have to lard the script with "telling, not showing" exposition.

[flippyshark]

Well, first question I'd ask is why is that scene in the play? By itself it is indeed completely meaningless, but how does it fit into the entirety, presumably one of those two readings wouldn't really make sense.

(Note: Absolutely no scriptwriting experience so questions may be lame.)

I can't tell you how many times I've seen even good actors and directors miss really obvious context and give missed-opportunity readings to dialogue that should have revealed subtext. So, I'm often inclined to spell it out. As an actor, I don't mind seeing such clues in a script. But it seems to be frowned upon in, at least in some of the literature on the subject.

[Kevy Baby]

I heard him ask his mother,"Does Dad work at Home Depot?" His mom rolled her eyes and answered "Yeah," with a disinterested tone bordering on contempt.My first impression was that Dad stood out with the day laborers in front of Home Depot

[Strangler Lewis]

No character anywhere for any purpose should ever roll his or her eyes. Unless either 1) your play is going to be a zany tween piece for the Disney Family channel; or 2) Mom is rolling her eyes not out of disappointment with dad or the fact that her son hasn't been paying attention to anything around him but because she has the hyperexaggerated gestures of the crack addict.

[flippyshark]

Duly noted. No images/smilies/roll.gif .

[€uroMeinke]

Perhaps a dialogue isn't the right medium. Maybe a monologue retelling of you original post in mechanized monotone like a Laurie Anderson piece.

[Strangler Lewis]

Or a Joe Frank work in progress.

[SzczerbiakManiac]

Way More Than You Ever Wanted to Know About Animaniacs (http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/126115)

[flippyshark]

Way More Than You Ever Wanted to Know About Animaniacs (http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/126115)

Wonderful! What a great show. I miss it.

[Betty]

Wonderful! What a great show. I miss it.

Those are the facts!

[CoasterMatt]

Add Bubbles To Any Booze Without Watering It Down (http://gizmodo.com/5909637/add-bubbles-to-any-booze-without-watering-it-down)!

[alphabassettgrrl]

My nephew just finished his first year of college. I feel old. I remember when he was born and it wasn't that long ago.

[lindyhop]

This is where you guys have a dance off right? That's the only way to settle it.

It would take years to set the ground rules for that. Everyone has their own favorite version of swing.:rolleyes:

[Kevy Baby]

Everyone has their own favorite version of swing.:rolleyes:And all the others are wrong.

[Betty]

It would take years to set the ground rules for that.

I thought one side dressed as jocks and the other as greasers? I guess that wasn't swing dancing... though it could still be fun. :p

[RStar]

Add Bubbles To Any Booze Without Watering It Down (http://gizmodo.com/5909637/add-bubbles-to-any-booze-without-watering-it-down)!

Oh, man! I just might need to work on a Margarita Fiz!

I have a great lime tree and orange tree that I make a great Margarita with now, and this could be an interesting twist! Not that I'll pay $200 for this, but it gave me the idea of how to use club soda (I make a concentrate with fresh juice, mixed with a simple syrup infused with the zest of the limes and oranges that need to be diluted any way). While I prefer the "frozen Margarita" blended in the blender to resemble a slushie, on the rocks is nice as well because of it's ease. The next question is.....do I try egg white foam as in the traditional Gin Fiz recipe (or in this case like the Orange Fiz)? Or would that be too much?

[Betty]

Oh, man! I just might need to work on a Margarita Fiz!

I have a great lime tree and orange tree that I make a great Margarita with now, and this could be an interesting twist! Not that I'll pay $200 for this, but it gave me the idea of how to use club soda (I make a concentrate with fresh juice, mixed with a simple syrup infused with the zest of the limes and oranges that need to be diluted any way). While I prefer the "frozen Margarita" blended in the blender to resemble a slushie, on the rocks is nice as well because of it's ease. The next question is.....do I try egg white foam as in the traditional Gin Fiz recipe (or in this case like the Orange Fiz)? Or would that be too much?

Do you use the Cook's Illustrated recipe? I highly recommend it.

Published July 1, 2000.

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
The best margarita recipe would produce a drink with a balanced blend of fresh citrus flavors and tequila. We discovered the correct proportions (equal parts juice, orange liqueur, and tequila) for the best balance. The right alcohol (Triple Sec and a resposado tequila, made from 100 percent blue agave) gave our margarita recipe a mellow, delicate flavor. And the best citrus mix (lemon and lime zest steeped in their juices) gave it a deep, refreshing citrus flavor.

MAKES ABOUT 1 QUART, SERVING 4 TO 6
The longer the zest and juice mixture is allowed to steep, the more developed the citrus flavors in the finished margaritas. We recommend steeping for the full 24 hours, although the margaritas will still be great if the mixture is steeped only for the minimum 4 hours. If you're in a rush and need to serve margaritas immediately, omit the zest and skip the steeping process altogether.
INGREDIENTS
4teaspoons grated lime zest
1/2cup lime juice from 2 to 3 medium limes
4teaspoons grated lemon zest
1/2cup lemon juice from 2 to 3 medium lemons
1/4cup superfine sugar
pinch table salt
2cups crushed ice
1cup 100 percent agave tequila, preferably Reposado
1cup Triple Sec
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Combine lime zest and juice, lemon zest and juice, sugar, and salt in large liquid measuring cup; cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until flavors meld, 4 to 24 hours.
2. Divide 1 cup crushed ice between 4 or 6 margarita or double old-fashioned glasses. Strain juice mixture into 1-quart pitcher or cocktail shaker. Add tequila, Triple Sec, and remaining crushed ice; stir or shake until thoroughly combined and chilled, 20 to 60 seconds. Strain into ice-filled glasses; serve immediately.

[JWBear]

My nephew just finished his first year of college. I feel old. I remember when he was born and it wasn't that long ago.

Wanna talk about feeling old? One of my nephews just had a daughter graduate from college!

[alphabassettgrrl]

Yikes! Yeah, I can wait to get there.

[RStar]

Wanna talk about feeling old? One of my nephews just had a daughter graduate from college!

My daughter graduated with her BA last year, and will be getting married on the 26th of this month! I don't have the gray hair, but I'm feeling a bit like Steve Martin in Father of the Bride!

[RStar]

Do you use the Cook's Illustrated recipe? I highly recommend it.

I came up with my own recipe, but it is pretty similar.
I prefer lime and orange, mostly because I have the fruit in my back yard.
The beer is optional, but adds a light effervescence and complexity. I omit it when making it on the rocks.

¼ cup fresh lime juice
¼ cup fresh orange juice
1 cup Tequilla (Reposado is best)
½ cup Triple Sec
1 Tbl Agave Syrup
½ cup Lime-Orange simple syrup ( recipe below)
Ice
Cold water
1/3 Bottle beer, (Mexican lager like Carona is best)

Add the first 6 ingredients into the blender. Add half of the remaining space with crushed ice, the other half with cold water. Blend well until smooth. Add the 1/3 beer and mix just a moment and serve.

Lime-Orange Simple Syrup:

1 cup sugar
1 cup water
Zest of one lime
Zest of ½ orange

In a saucepan, bring the sugar and water to a boil. Turn off heat, and add the zests. Let steep for 5 minutes, then strain. Refrigerate until ready to use.

[Betty]

I'll bet orange and lime is delish (she said eyeing the blood oranges from the farmer's market...and wondering who is going to go get limes and tequila). :D

[RStar]

I'll bet orange and lime is delish (she said eyeing the blood oranges from the farmer's market...and wondering who is going to go get limes and tequila). :D

Someone has a hidden agenda! :D

[RStar]

My wife is in the hospital after having deydration, kidnyes shutting down and C02 Acidosis. She is intubated right now, and under general anastesia so she is asleep. She is responding to treatment, her kidney function more slowly than the rest, but as expected. They feel she won't need dialysis at this point. She's in ICU right now, but stable and improving.

After loosing my brother two weeks ago, I don't need this. :(

I just hope she gets better and can attend our daughter's wedding on the 26th.

[katiesue]

Oh no - Thinking of you and your wife, sending all the positive mojo I can your way.

[Kevy Baby]

Yuck. Sending healing vibes you and your family's way.

[BarTopDancer]

Oh no. Good wishes for a speedy and complete recovery!

[Ghoulish Delight]

I'm so sorry to hear that! Hope recovery is speedy.

[flippyshark]

Healthy mojo from the East coast! Please keep us posted.

[RStar]

Thanks guys! I will keep you posted.

[Betty]

My wife is in the hospital after having deydration, kidnyes shutting down and C02 Acidosis. She is intubated right now, and under general anastesia so she is asleep. She is responding to treatment, her kidney function more slowly than the rest, but as expected. They feel she won't need dialysis at this point. She's in ICU right now, but stable and improving.

After loosing my brother two weeks ago, I don't need this. :(

I just hope she gets better and can attend our daughter's wedding on the 26th.

Oh my goodness! I'm glad to hear she's stable and improving.

I'm sorry I don't recall - is your wife ill (I mean other than this?) What causes this sort of thing to happen?

[RStar]

She has had 4 back surgeries, has type 1 diabeties and hypertension which are well under control, and anxiety. But nothing that would cause this. She is on xanax for anxiety, morphine for pain, high blood preasure meds, antidepresants, and diabetes meds.

She got a real bad bout of diarrhea and stomach cramping (possibly from a stomach bug) for 5 days. She couldn't eat or drink much, and got extremely dehydrated. This caused her kidneys to begin to shut down. As they did (because we didn't know it was happening), she continued to take her regular doses of medication, which the kidneys couldn't process completely causing an unsafe level of meds in her system (over doseing if you will). The metformin for her diabetes in particular is hard on failing kidneys, and she became toxic. Her breathing became shallow and caused her C02 levels to rise and O2 levels to drop. And the dehydration caused her blood preasure to go down, and with the increase blood levels of her blood preasure meds forced it down further. Her brain wasn't getting enough blood, and couldn't function properly.

[Strangler Lewis]

Wishing for a speedy recovery.

[Betty]

Scary scary!

[Gn2Dlnd]

Best wishes for quick recovery! Yikes!

[innerSpaceman]

Oh my, more recovery vibes from this quarter!

[cirquelover]

I am so sorry she is so sick, sending healing vibes her way. Take care of yourself too.

[alphabassettgrrl]

Yikes! Good thing she got to the hospital.

I hope she recovers real soon so she can go home.

[blueerica]

RStar!! I hope her recovery is fast, though I know that the kidneys can often be the last thing to rebound from such a thing... Intubated... /sigh... This is rough, you'll have to try and do what you can to keep your spirits up right now.

Lots of love and light to you two right now. Stay strong.

[RStar]

I'm usually quite strong. But I have to say that I have never been so scared in my life as I am right now. The next couple of days will be the determining factor.

Thank you all for your support. It really helps.

[wendybeth]

Very scary, indeed, RStar- toes and fingers crossed, all viable mojos and vibes have been activated. A quick ((((hug)))), and they are on their way!

[€uroMeinke]

My thoughts are with you RStar - I hope things keep positive

[RStar]

Thank you all!

Teresa's tests show improvement every day. It takes longer to get one off the ventilator than I realized, but she did well yesterday. They want the person to breath on their own for a full day, and she only started at 4 pm yesterday. So turned it back on last night, and they will put the machine back on test mode again today, and if she does well they will remove the tubes tonight. The test mode is where she breathes on her own, but if she stops breathing for 30 seconds the machine gives her a breath to remind her. Durring the test mode they keep track of all her vitals including O2 to make sure her breathing is effective. Her tests were perfect yesterday, her O2 averaged 98% and the machine didn't need to remind her to breathe, so I think she'll do fine today when taking her off again. I just hope she rebounds mentally, she isn't showing good signs of that yet.

[alphabassettgrrl]

Well that sounds positive! I suspect she'll start to feel better mentally once she's off the vent.
**hugs**

[blueerica]

Most excellent, RStar!

Has she required any sedation - does she seem aware?

[Moonliner]

Scary and happy at the same time.... My best to the both of you.

[Kevy Baby]

Yeah for positive progress!

[RStar]

Most excellent, RStar!

Has she required any sedation - does she seem aware?

She was on Profinol, but they took her off of it yesterday. She still isn't aware yet, but when she starts to wake she panics & chokes and then she goes back to sleep. She was so out of it when she went into the hospital that I think she has no idea what happened to her. So they give her something to relax. The doc says that she was so toxic that it will take quite a few days to get it all out of her system so her brain can function well. They want her awake more before taking her off of the ventilator completely, but she has done well on the tests yesterday and today, so they may take her off tomorrow (Thursday).

The good news is that the kidney specialist signed her off, she has 100% kidney function again!

[BarTopDancer]

Good news!

[Disneyphile]

RStar, sending you both a lot of love and light!

[3894]

Good thoughts to the Star family coming at you from Wisconsin.

[katiesue]

Glad there's some positive progress. More positive thoughts and wishes your way.

[cirquelover]

I am so glad you are getting good test results back, that is very encouraging. I'll keep you in my thoughts.

[blueerica]

Amazing about the kidney recovery! Huzzah!

Let the blood clear and let the brain come on back! May she remain calm as she awakens and may this all go smoothly. :)

[SzczerbiakManiac]

this made me chuckle (probably NSFW)http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/318149_380845408617441_100000759546146_994843_1110 35047_n.jpg

[CoasterMatt]

I donated blood platelets today, to enter a raffle for Game 4 Kings playoff tickets.

[katiesue]

I donated platelets once and it made me feel so horrible. I don't think I could do it again. Good for you Matt!

[RStar]

this made me chuckle (probably NSFW)http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/318149_380845408617441_100000759546146_994843_1110 35047_n.jpg

I don't think I'd me smiling like that if someone was roasting my weiner over an open fire. Or my chestnuts for that matter!

Just got back from the hospital. They pulled wifey's tubes out, but her throat was so swollen that she had difficulty breathing, so they had to put them back in (re-intubate her). They are giving her steroids to reduce the swelling and will try again in a day or two. When I took her to the ER on mother's day, I had no idea it would be a week long ordeal!

At least it better not be much more than a week. I told them they are on a deadline. She must be on her feet by the 26th to attend our daughter's wedding. If she misses it, she will not recover. Period.

[alphabassettgrrl]

Good luck, Matt!

Rstar- glad her numbers are coming back right. She's still got a couple of days before the wedding- she'll make it there!

In my corner of the world, packing sucks.

[cirquelover]

Packing really sucks!

[RStar]

I don't pack sucks. I pack socks, but never sucks.

So why are you packing sucks, anyway?

[blueerica]

aAACCK!! Reintubation!!

OK, well, let's keep working toward that date. It's a biggie, and she'll want to be there for it. Fingers and toes crossed for you guys...

[Morrigoon]

So after hearing that I could find TARDIS (http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/658933)fabric on Spoonflower.com I decided to browse their stuff, and under "hot sellers", I see THIS (http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/1080580). (warning: NOT Dr Who)

But yes, I did find my Dr Who stuff (http://www.spoonflower.com/collections/7490) ;)

[3894]

So after hearing that I could find TARDIS (http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/658933)fabric on Spoonflower.com I decided to browse their stuff, and under "hot sellers", I see THIS (http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/1080580). (warning: NOT Dr Who)

But yes, I did find my Dr Who stuff (http://www.spoonflower.com/collections/7490) ;)

You a knitter, Morrigoon? (http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEss12/PATTbigger.php)

So, my oldest kid is on her First Business Trip today. She is in Toronto and all because she listened to her muhthah and learned French well.

Life doesn't bring a lot of I-Told-You-So moments but when it does ... golden.

[Kevy Baby]

So after hearing that I could find TARDIS (http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/658933)fabric on Spoonflower.com I decided to browse their stuff, and under "hot sellers", I see THIS (http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/1080580). (warning: NOT Dr Who)

But yes, I did find my Dr Who stuff (http://www.spoonflower.com/collections/7490) ;)You can always use my friend's company and generate your own fabric. http://www.fabricondemand.com/

[Morrigoon]

I have done, though I uploaded to spoonflower (http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/morrigoon?filter_action=freshtastic&info_action=&nav_action=port&shop_selection=port_freshtastic&sub_action=new_profile). Nothing's up for sale yet, as you have to order a swatch before they'll let you unleash it on an unsuspecting public, but I'm pretty pleased with my damask design :)

[Ghoulish Delight]

41 years ago today:

http://boingboing.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/NewImage22.png

Meaning he's now 71.

[wendybeth]

We're headed out for DL tomorrow- yaaay! We'll be staying at the Grand Villa's this time, so anyone who wants to meet up please give me a holler! PM me if you need my cell- I'm looking forward to seeing everyone!:) Can't wait to meet baby Amelia, and see how big Theo is getting! We'll be there for five days- my sis's Bobbi and Michelle and their two boys will be there as well. It's the first time all the cousins (all born in 1995) will have been at DL together, so everyone is really looking forward to this trip. We won't get in until early evening- had to fly into LAX on this trip, so of course we land right at the height of rush hour......bleh.

[Moonliner]

We're headed out for DL tomorrow- yaaay! We'll be staying at the Grand Villa's this time, so anyone who wants to meet up please give me a holler! PM me if you need my cell- I'm looking forward to seeing everyone!:) Can't wait to meet baby Amelia, and see how big Theo is getting! We'll be there for five days- my sis's Bobbi and Michelle and their two boys will be there as well. It's the first time all the cousins (all born in 1995) will have been at DL together, so everyone is really looking forward to this trip. We won't get in until early evening- had to fly into LAX on this trip, so of course we land right at the height of rush hour......bleh.

Color me jealous and enjoy the hell out of of yourself!

[lashbear]

We're headed out for DL tomorrow- yaaay! We'll be staying at the Grand Villa's this time, so anyone who wants to meet up please give me a holler! PM me if you need my cell- I'm looking forward to seeing everyone!:) Can't wait to meet baby Amelia, and see how big Theo is getting! We'll be there for five days- my sis's Bobbi and Michelle and their two boys will be there as well. It's the first time all the cousins (all born in 1995) will have been at DL together, so everyone is really looking forward to this trip. We won't get in until early evening- had to fly into LAX on this trip, so of course we land right at the height of rush hour......bleh.

I searched around for the *like* button.... :blush:


GD: is there a way to put a *like* button on each post ? :D

[innerSpaceman]

Can't make it to the Resort till Monday. Hope you guys have some zest left by then. (Recent price increases have downgraded me to a mere Deluxer, and the weekend days are blocked). But Memorial Day, Baby! So excited to see you all.

[Kevy Baby]

Saw this and thought of my programmer friends here.

http://i.ebayimg.com/t/SOURCE-CODE-CHANGE-WORLD-Linux-Programmer-T-SHIRT-/00/$(KGrHqQOKp0E25kNthkNBN0j1WZ1wg~~_35.JPG

[Kevy Baby]

OMG, I MUST have this shirt (http://www.redbubble.com/people/khallion/works/7863915-malvin-and-cobbes-v2?p=t-shirt). Would someone buy it for me please?

http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lsp6ypH5Xc1qa9armo1_500.jpg

[Moonliner]

OMG, I MUST have this shirt (http://www.redbubble.com/people/khallion/works/7863915-malvin-and-cobbes-v2?p=t-shirt). Would someone buy it for me please?

http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lsp6ypH5Xc1qa9armo1_500.jpg

Done. (http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/stevesphotobook/paid.png)

It will arrive in 5 to 7 days.

[Ghoulish Delight]

OMG, I MUST have this car (http://www.lamborghini.com/en/models/special-and-limited-editions/aventador-j/overview/). Would someone buy it for me please?

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/lamborghini-aventador-j-01-opt-1330964240.jpg

[Moonliner]

OMG, I MUST have this car (http://www.lamborghini.com/en/models/special-and-limited-editions/aventador-j/overview/). Would someone buy it for me please?

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/lamborghini-aventador-j-01-opt-1330964240.jpg

Darn. They are out of the red. Sorry.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Oh, I'm not picky.

[Kevy Baby]

OMG, I MUST have this car (http://www.lamborghini.com/en/models/special-and-limited-editions/aventador-j/overview/). Would someone buy it for me please?

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/lamborghini-aventador-j-01-opt-1330964240.jpgDone.

It will arrive in 5 to 7 years.

[Kevy Baby]

Done. (http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/stevesphotobook/paid.png)

It will arrive in 5 to 7 days.
And while I sent you a PM, I thought a public thank you was in order.

http://positivepsychologynews.com/ppnd_wp/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/thank-you-bodies.jpg

[Kevy Baby]

It might be fun to try this to see what happened:

http://27.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ld525pcPLa1qawou2o1_500.jpg



(Though the mailing geek in me knows that the stamp and proper addressing format would need to appear on the other side.)

[JWBear]

This made me giggle like a 12 year old girl...

http://alexbowyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/20110614-013720.jpg

[Kevy Baby]

The visualization in my head of JWBear giggling like a 12 year old girl made me giggle like... while, I'm not saying, but it was funny.

[Moonliner]

Huh.

We are getting flooded here at work (and at home) with spammy emails that look like they are from Amazon.com. They look like receipts for some expensive item in order to entice you to "login" and check your account.

Keep a weather eye out for such shenanigans in your part of the InterTubes..

[Betty]

One of the websites I manage is getting flooded with facebook comment spam. Make it stop!

[Prudence]

My breain is in presedation sleep and all the world's solides are a lttle it more jelly like[[[[[and sometimes igve doulbe visionl walking to bed wliil be mostly falling down. or slmamming into walls.

[Betty]

My breain is in presedation sleep and all the world's solides are a lttle it more jelly like[[[[[and sometimes igve doulbe visionl walking to bed wliil be mostly falling down. or slmamming into walls.

I'm totally stalking your sleep posting self on the LoT and giggling a little... but get to bed girl! Before you decide the rearrange your closet or build a fort.

[cirquelover]

Mine started with one that said they canceled my order and credited my account. I didn't place an order! The next one said I ordered something else. The dead giveaway was I don't have an Amazon account through that email addy!

[Prudence]

No more typing after ambien. I had no idea I was out of it last night. It's probably a good thing that I can never find my car keys. It's true, though, that I can't walk in a straight line after I take it.

[Morrigoon]

You were awesome though :)

[katiesue]

So my sister was doing the flowers for Memorial Day and texted me that there was a headstone for our cousin Bruce did I know he'd died. Nope but not surprising he had drug issues.

So I googled him and apparently he was an assistant to Michael Jackson's infamous Dr. Klein who fired him shortly before his death for stealing drugs. (per TMZ). And he dropped dead on the street. No further info on that.

But it gets better. A little more googling and apparently the Illuminati killed Michael Jackson and made him seem crazy. Because he was too powerful or something. And my cousin was killed as a part of the cover up.

And Disney is behind it. Yes they are the Illuminati and they have brain washing things in their videos, movies and TV shows.

[Betty]

And Disney is behind it. Yes they are the Illuminati and they have brain washing things in their videos, movies and TV shows.

This explains so much!

[€uroMeinke]

Ah! Now the "23" in D23 makes tot sense to me - f'n illuminati!

[alphabassettgrrl]

You people have been busy- just under 500 messages while I was away in Alaska.

Glacier (at close range), salmon, seals, and whale. Mountains, snow safely far away, lots of cloud and fog. Good company, and a few adult beverages.

Home now. Trying to decompress. And process it all.

[Betty]

Sounds like fun. I hope you post a few photos after you've had a chance to relax and unpack.

[alphabassettgrrl]

I will post them! I'm sorting through them now, all 685 of them. :) Hoping to get it down to 100 or so.

[SzczerbiakManiac]

Photographic Evidence That the Sun Makes You Age Prematurely (http://gizmodo.com/5914862/shocking-proof-of-how-the-sun-makes-you-age-prematurely)
This guy is 69 years old, but half of his face looks much, much older than that. He was a trucker and, for 28 years, his face received much more sunlight on the left side, resulting on premature aging.
(spoilered for size)http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/17ofmmd4eio0djpg/original.jpg

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Wow. I will be better about sunscreen.

[Alex]

I don't know if that proves much (almost certainly not that sun will age you as much as it did him). My grandfather was a trucker and so I knew a fair number of elderly career truck drivers and I don't recall ever seeing anything like that among them.

So I suspect that this guy's reaction to sun exposure is atypical.

But you should still be good about sunscreen. Or take my approach, which is essentially "eh, I'm going to die of something so why discriminate against skin cancer?"

Lani disagrees with my approach, but she's not the boss of me.

[SzczerbiakManiac]

In role-playing gaming, it's common for certain items to be usable by some characters but not others. (The reason for these restrictions are numerous and irrelevant to this topic.) There is a need to refer to the state of gear and/or weapons that can be used by a character. The word used all the time is one I'm not sure how to spell.

Would you write "equipable" or "equippable"?

[Alex]

I'd spell it "class restricted."

But for what you want,the two p version.

[wendybeth]

Saw Hugh Laurie and his band tonight at the really cool art-deco theater we have here in town (it's really old, and was recently refurbished- he expressed admiration at the fact that we took the time and money as a city to restore it to it's former glory), and it was the perfect venue for his music. Great guy, so funny and talented. Couldn't be more impressed with the show- glad to see he is moving on and doing what he loves! The place was sold out long ago, and he got quite a few ovations, etc. He also did whiskey shots on stage with the band- he explained it was part of their 'bonding process...'- lol.