Sooooo.....

[Moonliner]

You should have told them they are anxiety chameleons and you need them with you at all times.

Or that you were checking for MONOHYDROGEN DIOXIDE leaks.

[JWBear]

MONOHYDROGEN DIOXIDE

Is there such a thing? HO2?

[alphabassettgrrl]

Busy is a double-edged sword. I love it, but dam it's exhausting. Kind of glad tomorrow's a down day; at least until the evening.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

I swear, whenever I have a really trying set of days, I can count on the next few to be really terrific.

[Kevy Baby]

This must have been an interesting accident (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=150+Myers+Street,+Los+Angeles,+CA&sll=33.477943,-112.069205&sspn=0.001714,0.002253&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=150+N+Myers+St,+Los+Angeles,+California+9003 3&t=h&layer=c&cbll=34.048748,-118.228727&panoid=tRszPghWp_j-vXMgXdP3dg&cbp=12,115,,0,15.72&ll=34.048957,-118.227793&spn=0.003498,0.004506&z=18) (a Google Maps Street view glitch)

Not a big deal, but it amused me when I stumbled on it.

[Betty]

What a fun day we had. My Aunt got married in a small ceremony down in San Diego outside by the ocean down by all the battleships, cruise ships, etc.

We then all (about 15 of us - all family) got in a water taxi and crossed over to Coronado and ate here: http://www.peohes.com/ FYI - the decor does not look like this. It's now more of an ocean theme done in a very classy way - without having fish and shells around - the shapes, bright colors, sea glass type of feel. Loved it.

We were seated outside in the shade right over the water right next to the bridge. We could watch the ships come and go (huge military ships down to kayaks.)

After a leasurely lunch of lobster bisque, halibut with macadamia nuts, sauteed bananas and frangelico (yeah - bananas and fish - who knew?) we finished with a macadamia nut ice cream pie with chocolate cookie crust. (other choices where a seafood cobb salad, coconut shrimp and key lime pie which I sampled and they were also delicious.)

Then we took the water taxi back but this time took our time and toured around the area a bit. My son got to drive the boat.

I miss the ocean.

Traffic on the way home was a bummer. In the jeep, without a/c and sitting on the sunny side the entire way - in traffic. Bah! Glad to be home.

Left the house and got home at the same time I would have if I'd gone to work (within minutes) which was odd.

Now I'm home and have the whole weekend ahead of me.

[Alex]

So we weren't able to do anything for our 10th anniversary because I had to work that weekend. We had planned to drive down to LA to see Swell Season at the Hollywood bowl but when that wasn't possible I noticed that they'd be playing the Oregon Zoo this last Friday and so I decided we'd take a day off and make a three day road trip out of it.

That was good. I've been annoyed at work and about 1500 miles of driving over three days helps reset the batteries.

Anyway, the concert was fine. To guarantee we'd have good seats (since we didn't know when we'd get in) I'd bought the reserved blanket seats. If you're in the Portland area and are thinking about one of the zoo's summer concert events I can recommend this. No crowding and the included dinner buffet was actually pretty good (and if you want you can end up taking a whole cheesecake back to your blanket).

The only warning would be about the rentable lawn seats. I'm fat so when mine broke I decided to not replace it. Once is mechanical failure, twice would be fatual failure. But the relatively slim guy next to me went through two and I saw three others break throughout the evening.

Anyway, unexpected to us was that Swell Season had an opener and it was Black Francis. I'd never heard of him but thanks to our modern communication age I could look him up while we listened. Apparently he was front man for The Pixies. I've never heard of them either, but being able to look that up made things much clearer later when Glen Hansard made several references to how important The Pixies had been to him.

The other thing they made reference to was something that will go into my list of missed significant events. Earlier this year I missed my chance to see a perfect game after Lani decided she didn't want to go and then an iffy weather report dissuaded me from going alone. I've had a couple other near misses on big things before too.

Anyway, the day after I bought the tickets for this concert I was riding home on BART and noticed an ad listing the events in a concert series at a nearby winery and what do I see? August 19 (just one day before our concert in Portland) - Swell Season.

I seriously contemplated Craigslisting our Portland tickets and seeing them local instead but in the end the lure of the road trip won out. During the concert Hansard made a couple comments about the night before having been a really weird night and how much they loved Portland and how good it was to be there, etc. We just thought it was "Hello, Cleveland" type prattle.

But this is what happened the night before at the concert we ended up not going to:

Headline: Swell Season shocked by onstage suicide. (http://ca.eonline.com/uberblog/b196447_swell_season_shocked_saddened_by.html)Fran kly, if I were them I'd probably have taken the next day off.

ETA: Oh, and this concert immediately shot into the top five concerts for me. But that may be because I've now seen only five concerts. They make the top four because Natalie Merchant was really awful.

[Mousey Girl]

The Boy starts 8th grade today. He is up, dressed and he ate. His backpack is ready to go. He has his shoes on. He is less than a 5 min bike ride from school. Too bad he can't be on campus before 8am.

[wolfy999]

It is possible to see Murphy, see the Fireworks and see World of Color all in one evening. Not easy, but possible!

[Mousey Girl]

I caught The Boy primping this morning. He was combing his hair, after wetting it down. I was totally shocked.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Hmm, the obvious question then is...who's the girl?

[Mousey Girl]

That is what I am wondering. I know he has mentioned Bren this summer. She was his fiance back in daycare. They remet last year. Kids from her elementary scool kept coming up to him and asking him if he knew her, because she was looking for him. He had mentioned that she was still really cute.

I think, at thi point, it is not a particular girl, but just girls in general.

Good timing on my part since I had his dad talk to him about girls last week.

[Kevy Baby]

Friends had a renewal of vows for their 20th wedding anniversary. It was held at the Graceland Wedding Chapel (http://www.gracelandchapel.com/). I was expecting kitsch and maybe a chuckle or two, but we were all pleasantly surprised by how much FUN the whole thing was! I will refrain from going into too many details as I know Coaster Matt and Mad Monkey Girl are doing the same thing for their tenth (after all: Jon Bon Jovi was married there!). But if you are invited, I say it is worth the trip. Heck, even if you aren't invited, it is worth the trip.

And I spent an entire weekend in LV and did not gamble once!

And due to FOUR accidents (one at State Line and three in/near Baker), it took 6-1/2 hours to get home. Just before Baker, a CHP officer was driving along the right shoulder (with his lights on of course). A few minutes after he passed us, we came upon him changing a blown tire. It was 104 degrees out, so I stopped to offer my assistance. He declined, but thanked me.

And, on the trip out, there was an entire freeway closure, but we were able to quickly get off at Jean (NV) just before the Highway Patrol started diverting traffic off there. Beat most of the crunch, so we didn't lose much time on that.

[3894]

Tom and I are now empty-nesters since both my kids are now in college, one in Ohio and the other in North Carolina. I'm trying to get to Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last! (to blaspheme Dr. King, sorry) but I'm kind of blue.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Aww. I'm sure you'll have a blue period then perk up once you convert your newly available room into a disco.

[BarTopDancer]

When I was coming home from Vegas last year the 15 was closed before Stateline due to a fire. No exits around so we had an impromptu tailgate party.

Looks like this year the 15 south was closed as we were driving out.

And if you FourSquare on your way out look for the places to hide the bodies on the 15 (http://foursquare.com/venue/6542773)*. It's around Zyzzyx. Hell, just check FourSquare, the check-in points are fun.

*I created it on our way home and I am highly amused that there have been 29 check-ins and there is a Mayor.

[ozron]

Okay, so I haven't posted in a while and I can't keep up with every thread, but I do visit every day and at least check this thread. I usually just don't have anything relevant to add. I guess this is a mistake. If I involved myself a little more, maybe if one of you is making a three-day trip to Portland specifically to see a concert AT MY ZOO, you might mention it before hand!

Of course, I do realize that it was Alex...

ron

[Snowflake]

The latest issue of Vanity Fair has an interview with Lady Gaga. Fascinating person, I really liked the interview. Loved the photos. Never seen one of her videos nor heard a not of her music.

[3894]

Never seen one of her videos nor heard a not of her music.

Gaga = Madonna with talent

[Stan4dSteph]

I like her songs. They're fun. Her outfits are pretty out there.

[Ghoulish Delight]

I find her entertaining in small doses.

[BarTopDancer]

Some of her songs are great to work out to. I find myself finding her overplayed. This is a direct result of hanging out with someone who is obsessed with her.

[Alex]

Of course, I do realize that it was Alex...

I'm not entirely sure what that means, but I did think of possibly contacting you. But since I don't really know you it would have really just been in the hopes that you could get me in to pet a rhinoceros or warthog or something.

But a couple things:

- The trip was an anniversary thing, not really something I'm looking to add a lot of other people to.

- I didn't know when we would arrive, and as it was we got there about an hour before the concert and needed to eat first and figure out how things would work. While it was a three day trip it wasn't three days in Portland. We arrived in the area at 5pm Friday night and were out of town by 11 the next morning. I likely wouldn't do it for people I know really well, but I definitely don't know you well enough for a 15 minute flyby which is about all we'd have had time for.

- If it is any consolation I normally wouldn't even have told my mom I was going to be in town (and in the past haven't, even for multi-day visits). But there was some paperwork needing to be signed so I did slip across the river for a quick breakfast with her before we hit the road (which is why we stuck around so long the next morning).

[Gn2Dlnd]

Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last! (to blaspheme Dr. King, sorry)

Sorry, that's Glenn Beck's schtick (http://www.rbr.com/media-news/26893.html).

[Gemini Cricket]

The latest issue of Vanity Fair has an interview with Lady Gaga. Fascinating person, I really liked the interview. Loved the photos. Never seen one of her videos nor heard a not of her music.
If you like Tarantino, I suggest watching her "Telephone" video. If you like Madonna's "Express Yourself" then watch her "Alejandro" video.

[Kevy Baby]

Okay, so I haven't posted in a while and I can't keep up with every thread, but I do visit every day and at least check this thread. I usually just don't have anything relevant to add.That is what a lot of this thread is about: nothing relevant to add :)

[Gemini Cricket]

My co-worker made us all cookies. They are so sweet that I think I need insulin now. Oy!
:D

[BarTopDancer]

then watch her "Alejandro" video.

And then go find the Ace of Base Ga Ga mash-up on YouTube.

[Gemini Cricket]

My co-worker made us all cookies. They are so sweet that I think I need insulin now. Oy!
:D
She just made me take a second one. (I threw the last one out. Am I the meanest person on the planet?) Oy vey!

[blueerica]

When I was coming home from Vegas last year the 15 was closed before Stateline due to a fire. No exits around so we had an impromptu tailgate party.

Looks like this year the 15 south was closed as we were driving out.

And if you FourSquare on your way out look for the places to hide the bodies on the 15 (http://foursquare.com/venue/6542773)*. It's around Zyzzyx. Hell, just check FourSquare, the check-in points are fun.

*I created it on our way home and I am highly amused that there have been 29 check-ins and there is a Mayor.

You're up to 31 check ins with 27 people!

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

My little sister is going in for an Embryo transfer to help a family safe a little girls life. Hope this works!

http://www.hopeforhaileykent.blogspot.com/

[innerSpaceman]

Ok, I liked the labor protest here last week. Musical Instruments, TONS of protesters. Really cool.

But I've just been advised officially that, tomorrow, Justice for Janitors is having a protest here in Century City and all streets will be closed between 11:30 am and 3:30 pm. But not just to cars .... to pedestrians as well. Purportedly, no one will be allowed to enter or leave the area, even on foot. WTF???

[CoasterMatt]

Just roll out the trebuchet, good sir. :)

[alphabassettgrrl]

I've never heard of them closing streets to pedestrians. That's weird. What about people going to work???

Me: I got a new haircut today. It was long enough to donate to Locks of Love and now it's short and kicky and cute. I'm not sure I know how to work with it, but I'll try. And I stopped at the tea shop and bought tea. She had chrysanthemum tea!!! Yum. Nice to talk tea for a few minutes.

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

:( Sadly none of the embryo's harvested are working. There were some that were frozen before but the "nurse" forgot to thaw them so another month to wait and try again. Disappointing but if it all works, a little girl has the chance to live.

<sigh>

[Stan4dSteph]

No meetings today, but will I actually be productive?

[CoasterMatt]

No meetings today, but will I actually be productive?
I'd say consult the Magic 8 Ball first. :)

[alphabassettgrrl]

So I've got a friend tearing apart my kitchen sink. I hope we bought the proper replacement but we'll find out.

New sink, new faucet, will need new garbage disposal; potentially new drain plumbing and we need to get a new tap for the water filter. And new border tiles; as he pulls them up, they're falling apart. I'd hoped we could save them, so the wear patterns match the other tile, but that doesn't look very possible.

[3894]

So, the first hint of autumn is in the air today.

[wolfy999]

Not here....98 degrees today, no hint of autumn at all!

[Mousey Girl]

My a/c is still being worked on. This is preventative stuff, so at least I can still use it.
I am waiting to find out it The Boy has football practice tonight. It is supposed to get 105 here today. it hit 111 yesterday (108 on my shaded patio).
And I wanted to get my hair cut this morning. Nothing drastic, just the bangs trimmed and evened out, and 2-3 inches off the length. But I am still here because of the a/c guy. grrr.

[Stan4dSteph]

It's been in the 70s here for a few days, and I've been loving it. Early next week it's supposed to get hot again though. Ick.

It needs to cool off in Anaheim next weekend, so I won't melt while running.

[ozron]

After ninety degree temps up here it chooses today to cloud over and cool off. I have tickets to tonight's Pink Martini concert: the first zoo concert I've actually attended as audience in ten years!

[Gemini Cricket]

The summer in Hawai'i this year was/is not too bad. Not as sweltering as last August...

[alphabassettgrrl]

So I'm officially without a sink for the next few days. My friend came over and pulled out the old, rusting sink, and tried to put in a new one. But my sink space is just a teeeeeny bit too small for a standard sink, so tomorrow he's coming back to try and mess with it and make it work.

Maybe eating out tonight!

[Kevy Baby]

The summer in Hawai'i this year was/is not too bad. Not as sweltering as last August...Move back to Southern California - the weather here is great!

[Kevy Baby]

Without thinking, I just belched really loud here at the office. I actually embarrassed myself.

I apologized profusely to everyone.

[Gemini Cricket]

Without thinking, I just belched really loud here at the office. I actually embarrassed myself.

I apologized profusely to everyone.
I've done worse.

[Morrigoon]

Ozron: you're gonna love Pink Martini

[RStar]

So I'm officially without a sink for the next few days. My friend came over and pulled out the old, rusting sink, and tried to put in a new one. But my sink space is just a teeeeeny bit too small for a standard sink, so tomorrow he's coming back to try and mess with it and make it work.

Maybe eating out tonight!

You have a bath tub, don't you?

;)

[ozron]

Yeah, the Pink Martini concert was great! I have seen them before - worked their concerts a few times and ran logistics on their appearance at the zoo last year. There's an addition this year - the Betty-tones - a male quartet singing backup for China. I know a couple of them - one is a buddy of mine.

The weather cleared before the concert, and it was a perfect night for it!

They play again tonight, then tomorrow is A Prairie Home Companion and the season finishes up on Wednesday with Cyndi Lauper.

[Alex]

When we were there for Swell Season I noticed the A Prairie Home Companion and I used that to fill Lani with horror by appearing to seriously suggest we should come back up for that.

[Disneyphile]

If any of you happen to be up in the valley this weekend, please come to our yard sale!:

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/gms/1922907826.html

[alphabassettgrrl]

Sooooo..... my kitchen looked really strange without the sink, so tonight that's improving since the sink now fits in its space. It didn't sit flat on the back, so we screwed it down.

Tomorrow: hooking up the drain, and tiling. I think. I'm hoping this only takes a couple of days. We pulled out the old drain pipe, and I see not only a longitudinal crack, but it crumbled when my friend's daughter pulled off a piece hooked into it. Good thing I bought a replacement!

[3894]

When we were there for Swell Season I noticed the A Prairie Home Companion and I used that to fill Lani with horror by appearing to seriously suggest we should come back up for that.

Keillor puts on a good show but the little I know you and Lani, it's not your thing. There's more energy live than on the radio. I hope everyone who gets a chance to see Garrison Keillor live grabs it. He's our version of Mark Twain.

So, today I take a 30-minute drive to buy applewood-smoked bacon at the source. Other highlights: terrific onion rings at the local diner and a beagle kennel downwind of the smokehouse, no fooling.

[Alex]

I like Keillor (I remember fondly an advice column he used to do for Salon.com), it's just the show that doesn't do much for me (though I'll leave it on if we're in the car and Lani's asleep).

Lani strongly dislikes the show. Even more than Says You, which is saying something.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Then she must REALLY hate Whad'Ya Know.

[Alex]

Never heard of it.

At least for what's regularly on NPR up here, Prairie Home Companion and Says You are the only things she objects to.

[Kevy Baby]

So, today I take a 30-minute drive to buy applewood-smoked bacon at the source.For some reason, this conjured an image of you walking up to a pig and carving a chunk out of him.

I don't know why my mind goes to places like this.

[Alex]

So I'm sitting at my computer wondering why Lani is making so much noise in the kitchen.

Then I happen to turn around and see she's on the couch watching TV.

Go into the kitchen to find water coming up out of the sink, having covered the counters and well on its way to covering the entire kitchen floor.

Fun. Turning the garbage disposal on gets the water going back down instead of up but in the process I have to dig my hand through the waters and find lots of food that definitely was never ours so the water is definitely coming from somewhere else.

Advantage Renting: Once we got the water cleaned up all I had to do was call the management office and now I can go to sleep and not deal with it any more directly than that.

[Disneyphile]

The yard sale was a bust. Almost every visitor bought something, but we hardly had any visitors, and we were just off of a major street, and had jumbo neon signs pointing in our direction.

We later found out that there was another yard sale further down the street who decided to just go from our signs rather than put out their own, so the people coming from the busiest direction stopped there and didn't realize there was more than one sale on the street. Stupid poachers. :mad:

But, it was a fun weekend with friends and much laughter while they excavated their garage to add to the sale. It was like being transported back to the 80's. Hilarity definitely ensued. ;)

And, I enjoyed meeting people and just observing in what they were interested. We had a woman who was going to yard sales as a way to cope with her terminally-ill husband who is about to pass any day. The sales are her "escape" so she doesn't have to be gone for long or far away from him. Another interesting visitor was an old man from Poland with a thick accent who was so friendly, and purchased "The Count of Monte Cristo" for 25-cents. He seemed to offer little stories on everything we had for sale. He was quite intriguing.

So, while we didn't bring in much money, I feel a little more connected to our friends and just random strangers. We came home yesterday, tired but happy. :)

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Any way you can have the sale again next weekend?

[Disneyphile]

Any way you can have the sale again next weekend?Would love to, but there are other things going on, so we've saved the stuff for another one on December 4th. We'll have more to add to it by then, and I'm also going to set up a "hand-crafted holiday gifts" table with my suncatchers and comfort sacks, and make sure I place a more in-depth ad for it.

[CoasterMatt]

Another day signing checks and planning meetings.

[Gemini Cricket]

Dentist tomorrow.
Me no like.
Me heap sad.
But I need to go.
Haven't been in awhile.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Next Monday is Labor Day. I fly to Boston for a wedding festivities that last through the weekend.

Which means I will have a 1-day work week on Tuesday. Guess how productive I'm gonna be then!

[Not Afraid]

My calendar is surprisingly empty for the labor day weekend! I think I may do some garage cleaning (maybe an impromptu sale on one of those days too!) If I don't do it now, it will be mid-october before I have another weekend free and then I'll be preparing for the next Patchwork.

[BarTopDancer]

I think Open Sesame is in your plans... ;)

[SzczerbiakManiac]

This is today's menu for the Marina del Rey Soup Plantation (http://www.souplantation.com/locations/restaurant.aspx?store_id=15&store_name=Marina_Del_Rey)
Lunch is costs more than Dinner. I guess that apple cobbler is really expensive to make! :rolleyes:
Lunch Dinner
Tossed Salads Tossed Salads
Classic Greek (Vegetarian) Classic Greek (Vegetarian)
Wonton Chicken Happiness Wonton Chicken Happiness
Caesar Salad Asiago (Non-Vegetarian) Caesar Salad Asiago (Non-Vegetarian)
Prepared Salads Prepared Salads
Tuna Tarragon Tuna Tarragon
Picnic Potato (Vegetarian) Picnic Potato (Vegetarian)
Joan's Broccoli Madness (Non-Vegetarian) Joan's Broccoli Madness (Non-Vegetarian)
Tomato Cucumber Marinade (Vegan) Tomato Cucumber Marinade (Vegan)
Greek Couscous w/ Feta Cheese & Pinenuts (Vegetarian) Greek Couscous w/ Feta Cheese & Pinenuts (Vegetarian)
Dressings Dressings
Ranch Dressing Ranch Dressing
Ranch Dressing (Fat-Free) Ranch Dressing (Fat-Free)
Basil Vinaigrette Basil Vinaigrette
Lemon Greek Vinaigrette Lemon Greek Vinaigrette
Soups Soups
Big Chunk Chicken Noodle (Low-Fat) Big Chunk Chicken Noodle (Low-Fat)
Lemon Chicken Orzo Lemon Chicken Orzo
Potato Tomato & Spinach (Low-Fat, Vegetarian) Potato Tomato & Spinach (Low-Fat, Vegetarian)
Curried Yellow Split Pea (Low-Fat, Vegetarian) Curried Yellow Split Pea (Low-Fat, Vegetarian)
Yankee Clipper Clam Chowder with Bacon Yankee Clipper Clam Chowder with Bacon
Texas Longhorn Beef Chili Texas Longhorn Beef Chili
Bakery Bakery
Buttermilk Cornbread (Low-Fat) Buttermilk Cornbread (Low-Fat)
Apple Cinnamon Bran Muffin (96% Fat-Free) Apple Cinnamon Bran Muffin (96% Fat-Free)
Chocolate Brownie Muffin Chocolate Brownie Muffin
Wildly Blue Blueberry Muffin Wildly Blue Blueberry Muffin
Quattro Formaggio Focaccia Quattro Formaggio Focaccia
Garlic Asiago Focaccia Garlic Asiago Focaccia
Hot Pastas & Kitchen Favorites Hot Pastas & Kitchen Favorites
Vegetarian Marinara w/ Basil (Vegetarian) Vegetarian Marinara w/ Basil (Vegetarian)
Macaroni & Cheese (Vegetarian) Macaroni & Cheese (Vegetarian)
Lemon Greek Penne Hot Pasta Lemon Greek Penne Hot Pasta
Desserts Desserts
Gelatin (Fat-Free) Gelatin (Fat-Free)
Banana Royale (Fat-Free) Banana Royale (Fat-Free)
Tapioca Pudding (Low-Fat) Tapioca Pudding (Low-Fat)
Apple Cobbler

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Weird how you posted a box like that. I looked and the only tag you used is "code". What does that mean?

[DreadPirateRoberts]

Weird how you posted a box like that. I looked and the only tag you used is "code". What does that mean?

"code" like source code in programming speak.

[SzczerbiakManiac]

If I hadn't used [ Code], the Dinner list would have butted up against Lunch.

[Alex]

It is a tag that maintains white space (HTML would normally collapse multiple spaces down to a single space).

This is most useful (to people who make vB) when trying to represent computer code and thus it is the code tag.

[Ghoulish Delight]

I'd seen it in use at many other vB boards, but had no idea it was a default feature. I'd always assumed it was a custom add-on and had in the back of my mind to one day bother with adding it here.

Woohoo, check one off the to-do list!

[Moonliner]

This is rather close to home.

Gunman inside Discovery Channel. (http://www.wtop.com/?nid=25&sid=2042177)

Going postal over the Discovery Channels environmental programs? Are you freaking kidding me? Dumbass.

[CoasterMatt]

Isn't that really close to where you work?

[Moonliner]

Isn't that really close to where you work?

Thus the phrase "This is rather close to home"

Here is a list of his "Demands (http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:wRb2N5UYIwAJ:www.savetheplanetprote st.com/+save+the+planet+protest&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=firefox-a)"


EDITED TO ADD: Hey! Dumbass TV-Media. Stop using your news copter to point out Sniper positions.

[CoasterMatt]

He'd probably end up as the head of Health and Human Services under a Beck/Palin adminstration...

[BarTopDancer]

Scary!

[Alex]

He kind of went off message with demand #11 didn't he?

[Moonliner]

Given his demands, I'm glad they managed to clear everyone from the buildings day care facility.

[Kevy Baby]

I've never read a mad-man's manifesto before. That was, um, interesting.

[Ghoulish Delight]

I like how his solution to the filth of civilizations...starts with returning to the values of the industrial revolution.

[Alex]

He'd probably end up as the head of Health and Human Services under a Beck/Palin adminstration...

To save the scaeagles the trouble, this guy falls of the liberal end of the wacko scale, not the Beck/Palin end.

[scaeagles]

I've never read a mad-man's manifesto before. That was, um, interesting.

Didn't you ever read the unibomber's stuff?

And yes, he certainly falls on the liberal end of the political spectrum. However, as I've said with conservative morons to liberal morons, people are responsible for their own actions. I don't think Al Gore is to blame for this guy any more than talk radio was responsible for Oklahoma City (which was a common theme out there for quite a while....hell, still might be).

[JWBear]

What a wack job!

(ETA: That was aimed at the author of the manifesto, not you Leo.)

[Moonliner]

Nutjob sniped. Hostages Safe. Explosive device he was seen wearing detonated.

Police spokesman not sure on nutjobs status, other than "No, he's not being taken to a hospital. He is still in the building."

[BarTopDancer]

The planet does not need humans. Then he should start the removal process by offing himself first.

[scaeagles]

What a wack job!

(ETA: That was aimed at the author of the manifesto, not you Leo.)


GOOD! I much prefer CONSERVATIVE wack job, thank you.

[alphabassettgrrl]

He could use an editor.

I had wondered what possible complaint he could have about the Discovery channel that would warrrant explosives, guns, and taking hostages.

[Kevy Baby]

I has new 'puter (well, company has new 'puter, but it is mine for use next week on my trip)

Sony Vaio VPCF126FM/B Laptop (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Sony+VAIO+VPCF126FM/B+Laptop+%26+%2450+Gift+Card+Package/9999137000050009.p?id=pcmprd137000050009&skuId=9999137000050009)

Let the setup begin...





I used to enjoy setting up a new 'puter, but nowadays I just wish someone else would do it.

[Capt Jack]

I used to enjoy setting up a new 'puter, but nowadays I just wish someone else would do it. (resized for the blind...like me)

ditto for me for many things,
including:
yardwork,
brakes,
oil changes, masturbation
etc,
etc

[Gn2Dlnd]

Captain Jack Handy.

Has a nice ring to it!


But, really, take the ring off.

[JWBear]

Depends on what kind of ring, and where it is.

[Not Afraid]

Nutjob sniped. Hostages Safe. Explosive device he was seen wearing detonated.

Police spokesman not sure on nutjobs status, other than "No, he's not being taken to a hospital. He is still in the building."

He's dead.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

NA - I've been meaning to mention that your sig line confuses me. Isn't a dress is the opposite of a barbed fence? It restricts the view but doesn't really protect the premises.

Unless the dress is a Plexiglas box with a lock on it, I suppose.

[Not Afraid]

No, the form is revealed beneath the dress but the state of nakedness is protected.

[BarTopDancer]

I used to enjoy setting up a new 'puter, but nowadays I just wish someone else would do it.

ditto for me for many things

Add me to the list. I haven't bought a new laptop yet because I don't want to set it up but I'm not about to pay someone else to do it for me!

[Ghoulish Delight]

He's dead.
Last report I read said that some of the explosives he was wearing went off when he was shot.

Very dead.

[Ghoulish Delight]

So next month I'll be starting on a pilot program at work. It's about equally likely that it will be:

A) A turning point in my career that leads me in an entirely new direction
B) A temporary diversion after which I return to status quo
C) A total disaster that will leave me frustrated and embarrassed

Whee!!

[Cadaverous Pallor]

No, the form is revealed beneath the dress but the state of nakedness is protected.Ah, nakedness protection! That's what I was missing. :D

So next month I'll be starting on a pilot program at work. It's about equally likely that it will be:

A) A turning point in my career that leads me in an entirely new direction
B) A temporary diversion after which I return to status quo
C) A total disaster that will leave me frustrated and embarrassed

Whee!!Let's hope for "A", shall we? As long as it's a GOOD new direction.

[JWBear]

So next month I'll be starting on a pilot program at work. It's about equally likely that it will be:

A) A turning point in my career that leads me in an entirely new direction
B) A temporary diversion after which I return to status quo
C) A total disaster that will leave me frustrated and embarrassed

Whee!!

If it's like most work related scenarios:

A = Optimism
C = Pessimism
B = Reality

[Kevy Baby]

So, I have figured out how to manipulate time: try to download a large file.

I started the download of MS Office 2010 (that was supposed to have been preloaded on my new computer but wasn't). The download started off well enough, saying it would take about 45 minutes. That was about two hours ago.

It was at about 15 minutes remaining, so I decided to go run a quick errand that would take about that long. There were still 15 minutes remaining on the download when I got back.

Then I was down to 10 minutes. Then 7.

Now there are 20 minutes remaining.

I think I will leave and hope that the download speed does not drop under 1 KB/sec and still be running when I come in tomorrow.

I was thinking about pausing it and restarting when I got home, but then realized that I have once again forgotten the password to my wireless router. The next time I hack it and reset the password, I am making a label and sticking that to the frickin' thing.

[JWBear]

Hee!

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l7zvy0J28K1qa1id2o1_500.jpg

[Moonliner]

So, I have figured out how to manipulate time: try to download a large file.

I started the download of MS Office 2010 (that was supposed to have been preloaded on my new computer but wasn't). The download started off well enough, saying it would take about 45 minutes. That was about two hours ago.

It was at about 15 minutes remaining, so I decided to go run a quick errand that would take about that long. There were still 15 minutes remaining on the download when I got back.

Then I was down to 10 minutes. Then 7.

Now there are 20 minutes remaining.

I think I will leave and hope that the download speed does not drop under 1 KB/sec and still be running when I come in tomorrow.

I was thinking about pausing it and restarting when I got home, but then realized that I have once again forgotten the password to my wireless router. The next time I hack it and reset the password, I am making a label and sticking that to the frickin' thing.

Are you still using:

http://www.speedtest.net/result/656459028.png
That could be your problem.

Also please refer to:

http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/estimation.png

[Kevy Baby]

Are you still using:

http://www.speedtest.net/result/656459028.png
That could be your problem.Yep. Sadly. And still no alternatives available without paying for some synchronous T1

[Ghoulish Delight]

Bwahah. Kudos to BBC America for the "Accent of Evil" marathon today.

[ToriBear]

My first day of High School is tomorrow. Very much excited and yet slightly nervous. (Okay, not just slightly, I'm really nervous.)

[katiesue]

My first day of High School is tomorrow. Very much excited and yet slightly nervous. (Okay, not just slightly, I'm really nervous.)

Good luck. Maddie has survived a week and a half already.

[wendybeth]

Good luck. Maddie has survived a week and a half already.

Maddie is in HS already, too? Wow- these kids are growing up fast!

I just dropped Tori off at school- she looked way cute (and cool) - very new 'New Wave' in a punky red London shirt, black jacket and jeans. Her backpack weighs about 30 lbs- they don't have room for lockers there, so the kids have to lug everything around. She's nervous mainly because this is the first time since first grade that we are trusting a school to provide academic instruction- she's only gone for enrichment classes in the past and we've done all the academics at home. (The homeschool link she attends is in another district, and we had to agree to no accommodations for her hearing loss for her to attend). The principal has told us that he really wants her to take the bulk of her for-credit HS classes there, and would help her if she needs it a'la a 504 plan or something similar. Ideally, she just needs a notetaker- it's hard to take notes and read lips at the same time. We'll see how it goes, but since we've been studying all the required subjects (and then some) at home, I figure we're ahead of the game in that we are used to doing everything anyway. I definitely will not be one of those parents that just takes their kid's word that all their assignments are current and that they understand what's going on in class.

[alphabassettgrrl]

Bought my airline ticket this morning to go home to Minnesota for a visit. :) :) :)

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Yay for our highschoolers, especially Tori for braving full public school!

My unsolicited advice - find people who make you laugh, regardless of where they stand on the totem pole. No matter what crap other kids (or teachers) may throw at you, if you've got real friends, you'll be much better off.

[Ghoulish Delight]

My advice? Do the homework, study for the test, learn something. It may suck, but so does constantly having to justify your existence to various teachers, counselors, etc. The biggest complaint I ever hear about anyone's high school experience is how much the teachers and counselors hassled them. If you get your sh*t done and aren't a jerk, that problem goes away.

[BarTopDancer]

My advice is to do your best and like who you like. After high school it doesn't matter where you rank on the popularity scale and job applications don't ask if you were on the Homecoming Court.

[Alex]

Yay! Advice: I'll just edit what GD said to start:

Do the homework, study for Ace the tests, learn something how to learn.

Homework beyond that which is necessary for you to have learned what you're learning is a sucker's game. Don't let them make you a sucker. 20% of the effort will get you 90% of the result. That doesn't mean you shouldn't try to get that last 10% but there's a point at which getting the last 0.1% isn't worth the effort.

Never be the first one to buy drugs from a new source. Let your friends be the early adopting guinea pigs.

Generally, the teachers aren't as stupid an malicious as you'll think they are. But some are so make sure your vehicle identifications are solid before you act.

Always wear sunscreen. Wait, no, that's post-high school advice.

You'll do stupid stuff. The goal is not to avoid doing stupid stuff, the goal is to survive the stupid stuff you do. So put a little bit of thought into your stupid stuff selections (taking a moment to think about it is why I stopped street racing after my first time).

A great teacher-student relationship is a two way street. If you wait for them to realize what a wonderful person you are it may never happen. They have 200 wonderful people a day to think about.

It is almost a certainty that the person you love more than life itself is not a person for whom that feeling will last. Don't worry, if it is you'll still love them when you're 45 so you can wait to get married.

Sex is fun when you're 15, 16, 17, etc. Taking care of a kid is not, regardless of what your pre-calculus teacher tells you.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Homework beyond that which is necessary for you to have learned what you're learning is a sucker's game. Don't let them make you a sucker. 20% of the effort will get you 90% of the result. That doesn't mean you shouldn't try to get that last 10% but there's a point at which getting the last 0.1% isn't worth the effort.
Can't really argue with that. I guess I'd genericize my advice as, "Do what it takes to keep the teachers off your back." No doubt a good chunk of what you'll be assigned is arbitrary and superfluous - but the only thing worse than doing arbitrary and superfluous work is being punished for not doing it. It will drive you mad.

If you establish yourself as capable, most teachers will indeed let you get away with ignoring work they know that you're smart enough to not need to do. But there will be teachers that demand it anyway, and at some point it becomes more effort and frustration fighting it, even if you're 100% right that the work is stupid and unnecessary, than you would have expended just doing the work.

In other words, pick your battles.

[Gemini Cricket]

My unsolicited advice - find people who make you laugh, regardless of where they stand on the totem pole. No matter what crap other kids (or teachers) may throw at you, if you've got real friends, you'll be much better off.
CP gets extra Awesome Points for this post.
:)

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

Really getting into this downloading thing. When you're broke, free stuff is pretty damn cool...

[alphabassettgrrl]

If you establish yourself as capable, most teachers will indeed let you get away with ignoring work they know that you're smart enough to not need to do.

Oh, yeah, this will get you far.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Homework beyond that which is necessary for you to have learned what you're learning is a sucker's game. Don't let them make you a sucker. 20% of the effort will get you 90% of the result. That doesn't mean you shouldn't try to get that last 10% but there's a point at which getting the last 0.1% isn't worth the effort.

But there will be teachers that demand it anyway, and at some point it becomes more effort and frustration fighting it, even if you're 100% right that the work is stupid and unnecessary, than you would have expended just doing the work.

In other words, pick your battles.Agreed with GD. I spent much of high school wasting energy fighting the system. "Why should I do the homework if I already know how to do it" lead to my C average. Alex's advice only works if the teacher grades the class that way. Make sure you understand what percentage of your grade is composed of homework, tests, reports, etc. Then do the opposite of what I did. Get over yourself and do what you have to do. It's not necessarily that your grades matter so much - what matters is that you don't get an ulcer over walking the tightrope.

Unless you feed off of that kind of adrenaline. Even so, "Get over yourself and do what you have to do" is a good life lesson.

[scaeagles]

School is just as much about learning to do what you don't want to do for reasons you can't comprehend as it is about learning the subjects. Life forces you to a lot of things you don't want to do to achieve a goal. I had a goal of scholarships with a good GPA, so I did what I was told even when I didn't want to and I graduated 10th in my clss of over 500. I don't think I was the 10th smartest in that group, but I was 10th best at playing the game.

There are many things in my job I have to do that I do not want to and I find to be somewhat illogical. But I want to keep my job to feed my family, so I do what I have to.

So learn to balance doing what you don't want to so that you can get what you do.

[Alex]

It's not necessarily that your grades matter so much - what matters is that you don't get an ulcer over walking the tightrope.

Or just don't get an ulcer over it. I got plenty of B's and C's and teachers who felt doing homework was more important than whether you knew the stuff. I just didn't care. I knew when I knew the material, the grades didn't matter much to me.

Unless you feed off of that kind of adrenaline. Even so, "Get over yourself and do what you have to do" is a good life lesson.

That's true, I just disagree on what is in the "what you have to do" bucket. But part of it is knowing what closes doors and cuts off opportunity. I've proven very good at letting go of the stuff that's irrelevant to what I want to do and recognizing what is necessary (even if I don't like it) to what I want to do.

I did try to negotiate things to fit my methods though so do that too. I successfully negotiated with several of my teachers that 100% of my grade would come from tests, I didn't want the partial credit that is homework.

But mostly I wasn't offering advice seriously, since the advice I'd give simply reflects my personal experience which is irrelevant to anybody else except in a tapestry of anecdotal advice offered by everybody.

In my opinion the best advice I gave above was that a kid isn't worth the fun of sex and that high school love is (almost always) transient so don't get too worked up about it.

[Morrigoon]

If the homework is questions at end of the chapter, you can usually answer them by skimming and skip the whole reading bit.

[Not Afraid]

We were talking the other night about the LoT kids starting High School and I was thinking that, at some point, we would all become LoT Grandparents. Frightening!

I hope Madz and Tori are enjoying school! It's a ride,

[Moonliner]

We were talking the other night about the LoT kids starting High School and I was thinking that, at some point, we would all become LoT Grandparents. Frightening!

I hope Madz and Tori are enjoying school! It's a ride,

You can add Headliner to the list she is a High School freshman as well.

Her History teacher has a banner up: Freshman are friends not food.

[Kevy Baby]

Screw what everyone else said; slack off, be pain to the teachers, counselors, etc., start smoking because it is the ONLY way to be cool, ditch class, and get pregnant.

Bought my airline ticket this morning to go home to Minnesota for a visit. :) :) :) I am currently in Des Moines, IA and will be heading to Minneapolis on Saturday, coming home on Tuesday.

[wendybeth]

Lol- I read your 'advice' and was going to verbally smack you around, KB. Then I skipped down and read your location. Heh heh.....instant karma.;)

[JWBear]

I think Tori is smart enough to never listen to kevy. ;)

[Moonliner]

Screw what everyone else said..


Hey Headliner! Remember when we told you not to talk to strangers?

This is the guy we were talking about.

[Alex]

Also, regardless of what anybody in school tells you, there really is no practical value (for 99.9% of the populace) in knowing any math beyond second year algebra. But teenagers find integrals sexy so taking calculus will get you laid.

[wendybeth]

Alex, I'm going to send you to Des Moines.

[BarTopDancer]

Good grades are important to get into college.

Study hard, do your homework, don't get pregnant, don't do drugs, don't smoke, don't have any fun. Just go to school, come home, do homework, lather, rinse repeat.

Then when you get into college you can rebound like nearly everyone else who busted their asses without any balance and get hammered, fall into danger of flunking out, be worried about maybe being pregnant and living off Red Bull and coffee.

[Alex]

Good grades are important to get into college.

Not particularly. They're only important for certain colleges. And, with certain exceptions, a sense that those certain colleges are absolutely vital to life success are misplaced.

Alex, I'm going to send you to Des Moines.Ok. I like Iowa. It's the Spokane of east of the Mississippi.

Besides, I speak truth. Studies show that eventually 90% of math majors get laid. That's too strong a correlation to ignore.

[Kevy Baby]

Studies show that eventually 90% of math majors get laid.From what I understand, Statisticians score remarkably well in that category as well as looks and general intelligence.

[JWBear]

BTW... Happy Star Trek Day!

[alphabassettgrrl]

I am currently in Des Moines, IA and will be heading to Minneapolis on Saturday, coming home on Tuesday.

It's a nice time of year to visit. :) Do you get to have any fun?

[Betty]

Advice for high school - participate! Have a great time and try out all sorts of activities. You are not too cool for them even if you think you are. Now is a great time to try out photography, ceramics, shop, cooking, auto, etc. You'll be suprised a the new things you'll learn that aren't as repetitive as some other classes seem to be.

Have fun and don't limit yourself.

[Kevy Baby]

It's a nice time of year to visit. :) Do you get to have any fun? Not so far (I am here for work). What do I need to make sure to not miss here?

Any tips for Minneapolis?

[Disneyphile]

Not so far (I am here for work). What do I need to make sure to not miss here?In Des Moines - go to Adventureland. You totally need to!

The wooden coaster is actually a lot of fun. :)

[alphabassettgrrl]

Not so far (I am here for work). What do I need to make sure to not miss here?

Any tips for Minneapolis?

I don't even know what's swanky anymore. There's First Avenue, which is Prince's bar. That's kind of interesting. My favorite food in the area is White Castle (which gets me funny looks a lot of the time).

The thing I really want to see on my upcoming trip is the new Guthrie theater on the river. It's supposed to be really amazing. Wonder if they do tours during the day when the shows aren't going....

I hope your trip is going well! I hope you get to have some fun... :)

[Disneyphile]

Hey, Kevy - if you go to a Steak n' Shake, would you bring me back a couple bottles of the hot peppers?

Even if you don't, still visit a Sn'S. The food's awesome. :)

[Prudence]

Wow. It's been over a month. What did I miss?

[cirquelover]

We can add Zach to the LoT Freshman list.

He is going to the local high school this year. This is his first time in a public school and he's been doing his work at home for years. So far he hates trying to get into his locker and dragging all his books around. He loves all his teachers and that he got into the Web Design class, next semester is Programming. He also joined the Robotics team.

He has made a friend already, a girl, and they are going to the football game together on Friday :eek:

I'm not sure I 'm ready for all of this! It has honestly been one of the biggest emotional roller coaster rides I've ever been on.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Zach, Tori, Maddie, Headliner - did I get them all? Private schools have been started with fewer kids. We need a School of Swank. (Online, of course.)



"School of Swank, coming to ABC this fall!"

[BarTopDancer]

"School of Swank, coming to ABC this fall!"
It will be better than what's on now!

[CoasterMatt]

Watching the traffic out my office window is better than what's on tv now.

[wendybeth]

Zach, Tori, Maddie, Headliner - did I get them all? Private schools have been started with fewer kids. We need a School of Swank. (Online, of course.)



"School of Swank, coming to ABC this fall!"
Headmaster €uromeinke.... He'd be a pretty cool principal.:D

[Disneyphile]

"School of Swank, coming to ABC this fall!"Throw in a midget mother of quintuplets and TLC would produce it! ;)

[€uroMeinke]

Headmaster €uromeinke.... He'd be a pretty cool principal.:D

School of Swank and Cabaret

[Kevy Baby]

Hey, Kevy - if you go to a Steak n' Shake, would you bring me back a couple bottles of the hot peppers?

Even if you don't, still visit a Sn'S. The food's awesome. :)Well, I found that the closest one to where I am in Ankeny (outside of Des Moines) is 110 miles away in Coralville. And none in Minnesota. So don't hold your breath on those peppers.

[Ghoulish Delight]

I'll spare you the family back story, but I was sorely disappointed to find, at the end of spending 4+ hours walking the Freedom Trail, that the Bunker Hill Monument is closed for renovations until tomorrow :(

And by "sorely disappointed" I mean, "Holy fvck my feet hurt."

[alphabassettgrrl]

So I had a date last night. :)

She's a bit older than us, but she seems nice. Wants to see husband and me again tonight. :) Only downside; she smokes.

[Kevy Baby]

Only downside; she smokes. Try more lube

[Kevy Baby]

Jeez - where is everyone? No one has posted here (besides me) in the last 10 hours. Don't y'all realize I am bored on the road and need to be entertained?

[katiesue]

lalalalalalala - how's that Kevy?

[alphabassettgrrl]

Sorry- we were groovin' to Pink Martini at the Hollywood Bowl. :)

I can't believe I hadn't heard them until now...

[Gemini Cricket]

Lady Gaga needs a better butcher. Look at how much fat was in her dress at the VMAs last night.
:D

[Alex]

Wrap her in some cantaloupe, with capers and olive oil?

[Gemini Cricket]

Also, wouldn't her dress stink after like a half hour or so? I have no sense of smell, but I bet it would.

And where do stars change into multiple outfits at an awards show? Do they just go backstage or is there a trailer somewhere?

[SzczerbiakManiac]

Was that actual meat she was wearing? (as opposed to something that just looks like it)

[Kevy Baby]

Lady Gaga needs a better butcher. Look at how much fat was in her dress at the VMAs last night.
:DIt's not fat; it's marbling

[Alex]

So, I'm really, really glad that I no longer have any production support responsibilities or I might actually be faced with canceling my departure to Istanbul on Friday.

Also good that I am going on vacation as I suspect there's going to be a lot of shouting, analysis, process reviews, and tense conversations over the next couple of weeks.

Part of me wishes I were in the middle of it (so long as I wasn't a cause for the problems) but on the other hand I get to go to bed tonight.

[Gemini Cricket]

I came close to buying a Sulcata Tortoise the other day from a pet store here. But now that Leonardo DiCraprio (http://www.examiner.com/entertainment-news-in-toronto/leonardo-dicaprio-pays-400-for-tortoise) has one, I don't want one any more. Although, my pet store was selling them for $299.99.

[Alex]

I always recommend against buying pets that will probably outlive you even when you buy them in your 30s. Though a tortoise will be much less annoying than a macaw.

[Ghoulish Delight]

I like Henry's market because of the aisle with bins of delicious, reasonably priced, and healthy snacks.

I love Henry's market because the next aisle over has many of those same snacks coated in chocolate.

[BarTopDancer]

Their chocolate covered honeycomb is delicious (and cheaper than Disneyland's chocolate covered honeycomb).

[Chernabog]

Yay! It's Friday of the worst week ever.

On Monday I managed to:
1) Get shoe polish all over a brand-new shirt and tie (worn for a whole hour). $150.
2) Took my loose watch off my wrist in the car, intending to throw it on the passenger seat, but released it too early, which shattered my windshield. $190 in repairs.
3) While immersing the above shirt in water in the sink after going home to change, accidentally left a small stream of water still going into the sink while I was on the phone, which overflowed, flooding the carpet and requiring me to rip up the carpet to dry it out.

This was all before noon on Monday.

And the week didn't get much better from there.

But it's over!!! Happy fasting, oh ye of Jewish faith! :)

[SzczerbiakManiac]

Took my loose watch off my wrist in the car, intending to throw it on the passenger seat, but released it too early, which shattered my windshield.How strong are you?!? Did it make the bionic sound (http://www.soundboard.com/sb/Bionic_Man_Sounds.aspx) when you did it?

[Chernabog]

How strong are you?!? Did it make the bionic sound (http://www.soundboard.com/sb/Bionic_Man_Sounds.aspx) when you did it?

Well, I *have* been going to the gym more recently -- it must have hit the windshield on the knob of the watch, so all the force went into that small impact point. It left a spider-web pattern about the size of a bread plate, and another foot-and-a-half crack coming off of it.

That'll teach me to get mad at inanimate objects. ;)

[innerSpaceman]

Wow, Cherny, sounds like you should get rid of the excess clutziness in your life. Consider Ju Koon (http://www.loungeoftomorrow.com/LoT/showpost.php?p=333577&postcount=64). It's tomorrow. Tribe members get discounts.

[Chernabog]

Wow, Cherny, sounds like you should get rid of the excess clutziness in your life. Consider Ju Koon (http://www.loungeoftomorrow.com/LoT/showpost.php?p=333577&postcount=64). It's tomorrow. Tribe members get discounts.

LOL actually I have to do temple tomorrow night (my dad and brother do the shofar, so I'll be extra sinny if I don't show), plus my sister-in-law is doing dinner... Mebbe we can head down after dinner??

EDIT: Awwww I just looked at the page and it's all daytime stuff.... nooooooo!! Can i come next year?

[innerSpaceman]

Are you sure you want to wait till then? What will B.J. have to say about that?

[Not Afraid]

I always sleep wearing socks.

I just got done with staying 4 nights with 2 American Eskimo Dogs.

I took along a pair of black socks to sleep in. I cam home with white bunny slippers.

[Prudence]

Y'all, I was on today. I was charming, confident, relatable, awesome. I suspect that he'll pick someone with more experience, but I was awesome. Excellent momentum to carry forward to Thursday's interview for the DC position, which is the one I think I'll get.

[Gn2Dlnd]

Yay! It's Friday of the worst week ever.

On Monday I managed to:
1) Get shoe polish all over a brand-new shirt and tie (worn for a whole hour). $150.
2) Took my loose watch off my wrist in the car, intending to throw it on the passenger seat, but released it too early, which shattered my windshield. $190 in repairs.
3) While immersing the above shirt in water in the sink after going home to change, accidentally left a small stream of water still going into the sink while I was on the phone, which overflowed, flooding the carpet and requiring me to rip up the carpet to dry it out.

This was all before noon on Monday.

And the week didn't get much better from there.

But it's over!!! Happy fasting, oh ye of Jewish faith! :)

I'm so glad I'm on the other side of the country, oy! On the other hand, I went around World Showcase yesterday wishing everyone a happy new year, or happy independence day. Or both, if you're Mexican and Jewish! The Guatemalan woman at the American Experience was not amused.

[JWBear]

Foggy

[CoasterMatt]

Happy Monday!

[alphabassettgrrl]

Y'all, I was on today. I was charming, confident, relatable, awesome. I suspect that he'll pick someone with more experience, but I was awesome. Excellent momentum to carry forward to Thursday's interview for the DC position, which is the one I think I'll get.

We will miss you when you move to DC!

[Ghoulish Delight]

Among the many reasons I'm thankful for the existence of YouTube, near the top is its role in saving the art of the music video from extinction.

[Moonliner]

We will miss you when you move to DC!

Speak for yourself. ;)

[SzczerbiakManiac]

So... have you seen the giant spider webs which are tougher than Kevlar (http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2010/09/super-strong-spider-silk/)?

[Kevy Baby]

So... have you seen the giant spider webs which are tougher than Kevlar (http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2010/09/super-strong-spider-silk/)?Spoilerized for BTD
I've always wondered: how do spiders get across wide expanses, such as the river shown, to land their anchor lines?

[alphabassettgrrl]

So... have you seen the giant spider webs which are tougher than Kevlar (http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2010/09/super-strong-spider-silk/)?

I'm torn between admiration, and running away screaming.

[€uroMeinke]

Spoilerized for BTD
I've always wondered: how do spiders get across wide expanses, such as the river shown, to land their anchor lines?

According to the article they cast them - think fishing

[BarTopDancer]

Oh hell. I didn't click, I'm not going to but someone please tell me these things aren't around here.

[Kevy Baby]

Madagascar

[CoasterMatt]

BTD- I don't think you'd survive the entrance to HHN this year- it's nothing but clowns and fire.

[BarTopDancer]

I like fire! It would be better if the clowns were ON fire.

[Moonliner]

I like fire! It would be better if the clowns were ON fire.

Have you seen Zombieland? It has the best clown scene in ages. Honk!

[wendybeth]

Have you seen Zombieland? It has the best clown scene in ages. Honk!
Lol- we think of BTD every time we watch that scene.....

[BarTopDancer]

Never seen it and apparently I never will.

[RStar]

Have you seen Zombieland? It has the best clown scene in ages. Honk!

That movie was the most fun I'd had at the movies in a long time. And I LMAO at the zombie clowns!

[Morrigoon]

Clown bit (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_EtK0-q0u8)

[Ghoulish Delight]

ddxzz . ,,o c00000000000
-5556113

Theo says hi

[katiesue]

aoitewo['ahoz'dij w[

Hi Theo :)

[wendybeth]

Awwww! Was that Theo's first post? He sounds just like one of NA's kittehs!:)

[wendybeth]

Got a new toy tonight- the Android phone. (It was Eric's- his work upgraded him to the newest Android, so I got his 'old' one). I don't think I want an I-phone anymore- this is fun! Loaded Green Day's 'Jesus of Suburbia' as my ring tone (just to piss off the fundies at my workplace), and their 'When I Come Around' as my alarm. Having fun with Tom Cat now......:D

[Ghoulish Delight]

Awwww! Was that Theo's first post? He sounds just like one of NA's kittehs!:)I think it is his first. Though he's already an old hat at instant messaging.

[BarTopDancer]

Got a new toy tonight- the Android phone. (It was Eric's- his work upgraded him to the newest Android, so I got his 'old' one). I don't think I want an I-phone anymore- this is fun! Loaded Green Day's 'Jesus of Suburbia' as my ring tone (just to piss off the fundies at my workplace), and their 'When I Come Around' as my alarm. Having fun with Tom Cat now......:D

I love the Android phone. What one was passed down to you?

[wendybeth]

I love the Android phone. What one was passed down to you?

The Eris. I can upgrade around Christmas time to the newest one, though. This is a good one to learn on, but I've already got Droid envy with Eric's new phone.

[Alex]

Since apparently jetlag is going to keep me up all night even though I've only slept about 2 hours since 3:30am Sunday morning (Itanbul time, that would be 5:30pm Saturday PT) here's a couple quick pictures since I just dumped the camera (but I probably won't ever get to going through them).


Here's the view low view from our hotel room at 3a.m. (the first round of jet lag). Kind of made me think of a backlot. Curvy streets so you can't see far, everything in its place.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/5028847993_8a7053fb9a_b.jpg

Here's the daytime view if we looked a bit up instead of down at the street:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/5028847989_e003144c1f_b.jpg

The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, better known to westerners as the Blue Mosque.

[katiesue]

Alex - can't wait to see the rest of your photos and hear about your trip.

WB - I have a droid and Maddie has the LG Ally. We both love them. We have the alarm clock docks for both and I have the GPS dock in the car.

[SzczerbiakManiac]

The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, better known to westerners as the Blue Mosque.[/spoiler]Great pictures!

I'm curious though, is that mosque blue on the inside?

[JWBear]

According to Wikipedia, yes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sultan_Ahmed_Mosque).

The mosque is popularly known as the Blue Mosque for the blue tiles adorning the walls of its interior.

[Alex]

SM: To a degree, it is named such because of the blue Iznik tiles on the inside. However, it isn't the best example of such in the area.

A "bluer" mosque is the nearby Rustem Pasha mosque but it is much smaller and less visited. Because it is so much larger the Sultan Ahmed Mosque probably has more of the tiles but they don't necessarily dominate the interior.

Here's a comparison of the interiors of those two mosques:

(this got long with quite a few photos so spoilering it]


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4109/5029744145_c5c6a76f73_z.jpg
Sultan Ahmed Mosque (aka Blue Mosque, aka Sultanahmet Camii)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/5029744131_018175d2dc_z.jpg
Rüstem Pasha Mosque (aka Rüstempaşa Camii)

A quick selection of other photos

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/5029772031_dd1100dcc3_b.jpg
My kokareç ekmek. The filling is a spicy, finely chopped, sheep intestine. It was good.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4104/5030400898_013db6ef75_z.jpg
For Lisa. This guy was for sale at a stall at the Spice Market. No, he's not food, a section of the market is actually a pet section with cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, and leeches (for medicinal purposes). Though I'm not sure why anybody would ever buy a cat or dog since I'd think you'd just take in one of the unlimited supply of unowned ones just walking around town where they're treated kind of like communal pets.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4128/5030413662_33f83d1434_z.jpg
The main interior area of the Hagia Sophia. The two things that boggle my mind about this structure is a) this is a sixth century structure, it would be a thousand years before other domes began to surpass it; and b) the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque are literally across the street from each other. I don't know why it amuses me to have two of the greatest religious structures in the world crammed together like that.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4151/5029816413_b0a8a1e799_z.jpg
It was market day in the old Jewish Quarter when we walked through on the way to visit the Patriarchate (the Vatican of the Orthodox Church). These days the quarter has a high density of Roma, but I have no idea if any of the people in this photo are Roma.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4086/5029828367_f8e446943d.jpg
Who says religion doesn't provide usable guidelines for everyday life?


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4144/5029848221_16768e9d54_z.jpg
Dolmabahçe Palace. It is really difficult to give the scale of this building from the outside. This palace replaced the Orientalist Topkapi Palace in the 19th Century in a nod towards modernism and copying the more powerful European empires. It is tacky beyond all belief but worth visiting just for seeing the main ceremonial hall that makes up the middle portion of the building you see here and is big enough to accommodate almost 3,000 people. Unfortunately no photography is allowed inside (and you have to wear plastic booties over your shoes just to go inside).

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4109/5030497850_0b8063324b_z.jpg
An exterior view of the Hagia Sophia. Again, if I turned 180 degrees I'd be looking right at the Sultan Ahmed Mosque.

[Kevy Baby]

That first picture is fascinating as heck to me - I keep looking at it. Not just the movie set look to it, but also the lighting, angle, everything. Such a fascinating photo; thanks for sharing and I too look forward to the rest.

ETA: to clarify, I was referring to the first picture from Alex's first post (with just the two pictures).

[Disneyphile]

When scenes from Disney classics are taken out of context... (http://i.imgur.com/s9zMm.jpg)

:evil:

[Snowflake]

Alex, wonderful photos and I can't wait to see more!

The shot of the market, all that eggplant makes me hungry!

[Ghoulish Delight]

It's only supposed to be 90 by the time I get on my bike to ride home today.

Of course I'll be driving inland, so, even though it'll be 40 minutes later, I'll be biking into higher temps, even accounting for the 40 minutes of "cooling".

Biking to Henry's at lunch, when it was 107, was...interesting.

[Not Afraid]

PUGLET!!! (Poor guy!)

It was 108 when I got back to the house today.

[Snowflake]

Holy Crap! That's HOT!

I hope that there will not be Santa Ana winds on top of this. Keep cool and jump in a pool if you can!

[DreadPirateRoberts]

Should not be any Santa Ana winds.

It is hot today.

[Ghoulish Delight]

The Santa Anas come when it's cool in the high deserts north and east of LA. It's plenty hot out there right now, so not gonna happen.

[Snowflake]

The Santa Anas come when it's cool in the high deserts north and east of LA. It's plenty hot out there right now, so not gonna happen.

Thanks for clearing that up. I do not know anything about what causes them, as you correctly surmise, I just know they're HOT.

[BarTopDancer]

113 when I went to lunch. And came back.

Keith's teleportation process needs some tweaking. Apparently he sent us back in time to Vegas.

[Gemini Cricket]

PUGLET!!! (Poor guy!)
Will Lisa be making a special trip to Istanbul?
:D

[Ghoulish Delight]

I didn't know much about the Santa Anas either until recently when I had the sudden urge to read up on them. Apparently some meteorologists had some time and their hands, the Santa Ana wind entry, and other associated entries, in wikipedia are really well put together.

[Moonliner]

It rained here today.

Just a bit.

[Ghoulish Delight]

The ride home wasn't so bad. Hyrdated like mad beforehand, and took it easy. It helps that the heat actually seems to improve my bike's performance. But today definitely put to test my axiom that, while I'm riding the heat is irrelevant as I'm overheating and sweaty no matter what. Yeah, threshold crossed today.

[RStar]

Monsoonal moisture today has made it feel more like Atlanta in SoCal. Nice....:rolleyes:

[Prudence]

Y'all, I was on today. I was charming, confident, relatable, awesome. I suspect that he'll pick someone with more experience, but I was awesome. Excellent momentum to carry forward to Thursday's interview for the DC position, which is the one I think I'll get.

Apparently I should have bought a lottery ticket the day, given my predictive skills.

[Snowflake]

Apparently I should have bought a lottery ticket the day, given my predictive skills.

Yes, a winning lottery ticket would have rendered the job search moot!

[Not Afraid]

What have I done????

[Alex]

I don't know. But now I'm suspicious you're the one who gave Pixel ringworm (well, suspected, we won't know definitively for a couple weeks).

Is that what you did?

[ToriBear]

Went to the eye doctor and they told me that I'm near-sighted and that I need to have glasses. I'm pretty much a happy girl at the minute. (I always wanted glasses ever since I was little....I know, I'm a weirdo. Good thing I fit in so well here and at my school! ) :)

[Not Afraid]

I don't know. But now I'm suspicious you're the one who gave Pixel ringworm (well, suspected, we won't know definitively for a couple weeks).

Is that what you did?


No. I suspect the FIV cat that licked your eyeball and gave you feline AIDS is the culprit.

No, this is what I did:

As you mostly know, in my former life, I was first an arts administrator then a marketing manager. I've done a LOT of curating, event planning, fundraising, and working with big government and big corporations. Who know all of that experience would come in handy again one day?

There is an officially designated arts district in DT Long Beach. It hasn't been doing well lately due to the economy and a lot of mediocrity has set in. I was invited to curate a couple of shows in a gallery in the area which has now led to the creation of a monthly fair/festival/event. The components will be an organic Farmers Market with everything from plants to canned goods, a collaboration with the non profit LB Center for Re-Use, an organic gardening co-op , composting people, and a CURATED arts and crafts market. I've been recruited (somewhat against my will) to be highly involved in the creation of this thing - especially the artist market portion (although, I have good relationships with Long Beach Organic too).

Of course, I will be able to show and sell my own work.


I'm actually excited about the prospect of this but a bit scared by the amount of time it will take. But, hey, maybe it will develop into something lucrative. (HA)

[BarTopDancer]

Nice! Good luck on the adventure and be sure to enjoy the ride!

[JWBear]

WANT! (http://www.brettlawyer.com/8935-Wonderland-Ave-a182810.html)

[Gemini Cricket]

Just sayin'.

[Kevy Baby]

WANT! (http://www.brettlawyer.com/8935-Wonderland-Ave-a182810.html)CAN'T HAVE!

[Ghoulish Delight]

The correct grammar would be "CANT HAZ!"

[JWBear]

CAN'T HAVE!

:p

[blueerica]

Today is officially going way to frickin' fast... and it doesn't feel like a good thing...

[BarTopDancer]

Today is officially going way to frickin' fast... and it doesn't feel like a good thing...

Liar. It's crawling!

[blueerica]

Liar. It's crawling!

It's only crawling because you're about to go on vacation... hehe.

[CoasterMatt]

Today is zooming along, but I want more lightning.

[Moonliner]

Today is zooming along, but I want more lightning.

You want lightning? We got your lighting! And rain, and wind, and tornado watches. Just let me know where to ship it.

[Betty]

You want lightning? We got your lighting! And rain, and wind, and tornado watches. Just let me know where to ship it.

To me!

[LSPoorEeyorick]

I've been recruited (somewhat against my will) to be highly involved in the creation of this thing - especially the artist market portion (although, I have good relationships with Long Beach Organic too).

Awesome! It's so neat how one thing can lead to another. Your good work is snowballing.

[Prudence]

I'm on vacation!!!!

[CoasterMatt]

I made it through the work day without exploding!!!

[Kevy Baby]

I made it through the work day without exploding!!!Damn - that would have been fun to watch!

http://www.feebleminds-gifs.com/exploding-head.gif

(Not Safe for the Squeamish)

[BarTopDancer]

I'm on vacation!!!!

Me too!!!!!

I also want this awesome weather to clear up so the skies and seas will be calm.

[Ghoulish Delight]

WANT! (http://www.brettlawyer.com/8935-Wonderland-Ave-a182810.html)

CAN'T HAVE!

The correct grammar would be "CANT HAZ!"

Of course, should a more formal tone be desired or required, "NO CAN HAZ!" would be the appropriate choice.

Now, if you'd like to elaborate on your denial, e.g. if it's a matter of availability, "NO CAN HAZ! IZ MEIN!"

Or perhaps, "NO CAN HAZ! It's an impractical purchase for your income level, you're would be hard pressed to even qualify for the required loan. It is far more likely that the property will be purchased by someone of great wealth, perhaps of celebrity status."

[JWBear]

But... Think of the parties!

[Moonliner]

Ahhhh... I love the day after a storm. Bight and sunny with just a hint of fall in the air. I went for an hour long lunch time walk.

[Kevy Baby]

Of course, should a more formal tone be desired or required, "NO CAN HAZ!" would be the appropriate choice.

Now, if you'd like to elaborate on your denial, e.g. if it's a matter of availability, "NO CAN HAZ! IZ MEIN!"

Or perhaps, "NO CAN HAZ! It's an impractical purchase for your income level, you're would be hard pressed to even qualify for the required loan. It is far more likely that the property will be purchased by someone of great wealth, perhaps of celebrity status."I take it that you are having a slow morning?

[Kevy Baby]

DORK ALERT: If anyone asks for the date today, you can tell them it is "38". 10/01/10 (specifically 100110) converted from a binary number to a decimal is 38.

[Ghoulish Delight]

I take it that you are having a slow morning?


I take it you can't read time stamps?

[Kevy Baby]

I take it you can't read time stamps?I take it that you were having a slow evening?

(I didn't look properly and thought it said AM)